A new fund will enable eligible dairy farmers in England to access up to £10,000 each to help them overcome the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
MP for Penrith and The Border and member of the EFRA Select Committee, Dr Neil Hudson, welcomed the news: "I am acutely aware of the hardships that UK dairy farmers are facing as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic - with those in Penrith and The Border representing a hugely important part of this vital industry."
"The dairy sector is the UK’s largest farming sector, with milk accounting for 16.85% of total agricultural output in the UK in 2018. The coronavirus outbreak has produced a real shock to the dairy sector; farmers are still having to care for and milk their herds, but orders from restaurants and hotels have dried up. It is so important that this sector is supported so that it can be maintained through and beyond this crisis"
"Having supported the RABDF proposals to Government, and encouraged the introduction of a hardship fund for dairy farmers in my discussions with the DEFRA Secretary of State and Ministers, I am delighted this funding has been made available to support dairy farmers and our food supply chain, at what is an incredibly difficult time. This has been on top of the really welcome measures already introduced by Government such as easing competition law to help balance the milk market and application for a storage aid scheme."
Regarding the announcement, Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, George Eustice said: "Our dairy industry plays a crucial role in feeding our nation and we are doing all we can to ensure they are properly supported during this time. We’ve already relaxed competition laws so dairy farmers can work together through the toughest months, but recognise there is more to be done. That is why today we have kick started a new campaign to boost milk consumption and have announced (this) funding. We will continue to stand alongside our dairy farmers through this difficult period."
For more on this, please see: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-funding-to-support-dairy-farmers-through-coronavirus
