But there’s a warning that the RPA, who administer the funding allocation, must not lose focus in getting BPS payments out on time.
After extensive NFU lobbying in Brussels and Westminster, Defra announced in September that dairy farmers in England will share £15.5 million and farmers in Wales will receive a total of £3.2 million.
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NFU President Meurig Raymond said: “Today’s news that the first payments have already been made to those eligible dairy farmers in England and Wales is encouraging. It is important now that this money is distributed on time and without the burden of unnecessary red tape.
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“I and my fellow NFU Council members stressed to RPA chief Mark Grimshaw at our last meeting in October that all sectors are suffering cash flow problems and to ensure that they are on track to start making full BPS payments in December.”
NFU dairy board chairman Rob Harrison said: “Thousands of British dairy farmers will welcome this cash boost announced today, but it is important that we keep this in context. The average support package payment will be £1,800 and dairy farmers, on average, are around £6,000 a month worse off compared to this time 12 months ago.
buyer a farmer is supplying. Farmers who wish to offer financial support to those most in need should contact R.A.B.I or the Farming Community Network.
“We will continue to lobby government and urge processors and retailers to work with dairy farmers for more fair and transparent contracts, stronger producer groups and the development of a futures market.”