England’s Dairy Response Fund Opens Soon

England’s Dairy Response Fund Opens Soon

A new Dairy Response fund will open for applications on 18 June 2020, Farming Minister Victoria Prentis has confirmed.

With some dairy farmers facing financial difficulties and excess milk due to the coronavirus outbreak, the new fund will help those most in need of support to sustain their business.

Recognising that dairy farmers have fixed costs of production, which some may have struggled to meet during the coronavirus outbreak, from 18 June farmers in England who have experienced 25% price losses in April and May will be able to apply for a single payment from the fund.

This funding, which will be paid out from 6 July, will help farmers maintain production capacity without impacts on animal welfare, following reduced demand for milk products as restaurants, bars and cafes have closed.

Qualifying farmers can apply for support to cover up to 70% of their losses due to coronavirus disruption across April and May, up to a total amount of £10,000 each.

To be eligible, farmers will need to demonstrate that they have suffered a reduction in the base price paid for their milk of 25% or more in April 2020 when compared with February 2020.

Further details of the fund and application process will be shared in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, dairy farmers who think they will be eligible can get ready now by preparing details of their production levels for February, April and May 2020.

Farming Minister Victoria Prentis said:

‘The application process for our new dairy fund will begin shortly, helping farmers who have suffered losses to get the financial assistance they need to keep production going.

‘There is no cap set on the number of farmers who can receive this support or on the total funding available, and we will do everything we can to help our farmers at this time.’

More information about this funding opportunity and the application process is available on the GRANTfinder funding information platform. GRANTfinder provides up-to-the minute content, insight and analysis on funding news. To find out more about how GRANTfinder can keep you in the know, and subscription fees, contact us today.