UK farmers have voiced concerns regarding the government’s farm recovery fund, established in response to severe flooding caused by Storm Henk in January. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) asserts that many farmers with substantial land damage are deemed ineligible for these grants, which range from £500 to £25,000. NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos criticized the fund’s restrictive criteria, which she believes fail to adequately support those most affected by the floods.

This financial challenge comes amid a backdrop of declining agricultural yields due to over 18 months of record rainfall, impacting both crop volumes and livestock conditions. As a result, wheat production is predicted to drop significantly, leading to increased reliance on imported goods and rising food prices. The NFU warns that these conditions not only threaten immediate crop and livestock viability but also pose a long-term risk to UK food security.

In response to mounting pressures, the government, via the Rural Payments Agency, is reaching out to eligible farmers in specific regions to facilitate access to the available funds. Farming Minister Mark Spencer acknowledged the severity of the situation and the need for improved flood resilience measures. Meanwhile, the NFU continues to engage with the Environment Department to seek urgent revisions to the recovery fund’s eligibility criteria, aiming to provide more comprehensive support to the affected farmers.