James Wright, a farmer and rural campaigner, is urging the Labour government to immediately release funds from the Farming Recovery Fund to support farmers in the South West following record rainfall.
This September, ten counties across the UK experienced their wettest month on record, with high winds and unprecedented rainfall wreaking havoc across the countryside. Farmers are significantly affected, facing crop losses, an inability to plant next year’s crops, and devastating losses of livestock and winter fodder.
The Farming Recovery Fund, established by the Conservatives in April with an allocation of £50 million, was designed to provide grants ranging from £500 to £25,000 to help farmers restore their land to its pre-flood condition following Storm Henk.
Wright points out that there are still funds available that could be utilised to assist farmers impacted by the recent rains. He states, "Labour is already discussing cuts to the agricultural budget, but this money is simply sitting in a DEFRA bank account. It could be made available today to support those who need it most."
Emphasising the urgent need for financial support, Wright insists that farmers must be supported to recover from this severe weather to continue feeding the nation. He calls on Labour to prioritise the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities, asserting, "Now is not the time for budget cuts; we must invest in our agricultural sector to safeguard our food supply and the future of farming in the South West."
As farmers continue to grapple with the aftermath of this record rainfall, immediate access to the Farming Recovery Fund could be a lifeline, enabling them to restore their operations and support their families and communities.
