Government opens applications to farmers for £10k dairy support fund

The government has today announced that applications have opened for dairy farmers to access a support fund following lockdown.

The fund will allow qualifying farmers in England to access up to £10k to drive the sector’s recovery.

To be eligible for support from the fund, farmers in England need to demonstrate that they have suffered a reduction in the average price paid for their milk of 25 per cent or more in April 2020 when compared with February 2020.

The fund will cover up to 70 per cent of their losses across April and May incurred as a result of a drop in price, following a reduced demand for milk with the closure of restaurants, bars, and cafes in recent months.

This financial support will help farmers maintain production capacity and sustain their business without impacts on animal welfare.

When the fund was first announced, environment secretary 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 a further package of funding.

“We will continue to stand alongside our dairy farmers through this difficult period.”