The UK government has unveiled a £65 million support package to help farmers cope with the worst drought in 50 years, ensuring food security and resilience.
The UK government has announced a £65 million support package to help farmers manage the severe drought affecting large parts of the country. Prime Minister Andy Burnham acknowledged the challenges faced by the farming community and emphasized the need to guarantee food production amid the ongoing dry spell.
The funding, part of the Defra budget, includes £50 million for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and £15 million for building on-farm reservoirs. This package aims to support farmers in getting water to crops, keeping livestock fed, and continuing environmental work without financial loss.
Prime Minister Visits Cornwall to Assess Drought Impact
Prime Minister Andy Burnham visited Colwyn farm near Truro, Cornwall to see firsthand the effects of the drought on farming operations. He met with National Farmers’ Union (NFU) president Tom Bradshaw and the family running FG Pryor & Son Ltd farm.
Mr. Burnham acknowledged the hardest summer for British farming in a generation and stressed the importance of food and farming as part of national resilience. He stated, we need to be able to guarantee our own food production going forward.
Flexibility in Environmental Schemes and Water Access
The support package includes more flexibility in environmental schemes, allowing farmers to graze or cut drought-affected land without losing payments. This measure is crucial for protecting livestock and land during the dry conditions.
Additionally, the government will streamline the planning process to make it easier for farmers to build on-farm reservoirs. This includes updating the National Planning Policy Framework to reduce unnecessary barriers and improve water access during drought conditions.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw’s Response
Tom Bradshaw president of the NFU welcomed the package as a really welcome start but noted that it does not address the immediate crisis. He highlighted the severe challenges faced by farmers, including early harvests, low yields, and the need to use winter rations due to failed grass growth.
Mr. Bradshaw emphasized the importance of working together with the government to ensure that farms remain in business and can plan strategically for the future. He stated, we have to work together with the government to try to make sure that all of those farms are still in business in 12 months’ time.
Long-Term Resilience and Food Security
The government’s package is part of a broader effort to build long-term resilience in the face of changing climate patterns. The NFU has been advocating for action to enable farmers to produce food despite climatic challenges.
Defra Secretary Dame Angela Eagle acknowledged the pressures exceptionally dry weather is placing on farm businesses. She emphasized the need for practical support to help farmers through these challenging conditions and build resilience.
The support package is a significant step towards ensuring food security and supporting the farming community during one of the most challenging periods in recent history.
