From 18 June, dairy farmers in England who have experienced 25% price losses in April and May can apply for a single payment from the fund, to be paid on 6 July.
Qualifying farmers can apply for support to cover up to 70% of their losses due to coronavirus disruption, up to a total amount of £10,000. Applications can be sent directly to the Rural Payments Agency.
Vital role of dairy
Commenting on the new funding scheme, farming minister Victoria Prentis said: “Our dairy farmers have a vital role to play in feeding the nation and we want to ensure they are fully supported at this difficult time.
“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.”
Government dairy schemes
The launch of the dairy response fund follows the Government’s partnership with the dairy industry to spearhead a £1m consumer campaign to help promote dairy products to UK shoppers.
Funded through a combination of £500,000 from UK Government, £300,000 from Dairy UK and £200,000 from the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board, the campaign will focus on tea, coffee and milky drink occasions – areas with the largest volume opportunity.
Meanwhile, the Government has temporarily relaxed competition rules to allow the dairy industry to work together in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
The move has allowed milk buyers to reroute their supplies originally set for the foodservice and hospitality sectors to retailers, through greater collaboration within the dairy industry.
