With reports of roads, walls, winter fodder and some livestock being swept away by the flood water, the NFU is putting its emergency contingency plans into effect and is urging affected farmers to register with them for recovery advice and assistance.
NFU regional director Adam Bedford said: “It’s heart-breaking to see the damage caused by so much rain in such a short amount of time, but we know farmers are now 100% focused on getting back on their feet.
“Dales farmers are incredibly resilient, but they will need help to deal with the immediate and longer term complex impacts of this extreme weather event.
“We have an experienced team locally and nationally now working to make sure all possible measures are in place – whether that’s highlighting to the RPA those businesses known to be affected in a bid to ensure they receive prompt payments or working locally to make it as easy as possible for farmers to dispose of debris dumped on their land by the flood.”
To help with this work, all affected farmers are being urged to call the NFU’s national CallFirst number – 0370 845 8458 – and register. The dedicated CallFirst team will get all the information required in one call to gather key information on the impacts of flood events and registering will mean farmers can be kept up to date with all the latest developments.
Please inform your CallFirst adviser of the scale of the impacts of this flood event, including: stock losses, wall, hedge and fence damage and any other details associated with the recovery and necessary remediation works.
The NFU will contact members who register at a later date to collate additional information that will be used in collaboration with the RPA to ensure prompt payments to NFU members when the payment window opens on 1 December 2019.
Any information disclosed to the NFU may be shared with Defra, the RPA or Natural England to try and minimise the impact of flooding on farming businesses.
See also:
- The NFU north east office has put together a detailed briefing providing information and advice for affected farmers
- Yorkshire Dales agricultural flooding: Impacts and next steps - the NFU's policy team examines the impact of the flooding, what the NFU is doing and next steps
“We will also be working closely with key farming charities such as RABI and FCN to make sure that practical and financial help is available as well as support for family members during what is an incredibly stressful and emotional time,” added Mr Bedford.
Flooding elsewhere in the UK
Members affected by floods in the North West, please contact your regional office: Tel - 01695 554900
Members affected by floods in the East Midlands, please contact your regional office: Tel - 01572 824250