A new fund has been established to support English farmers whose land was damaged in the severe flooding late last year.

Unprecedented rainfall and subsequent flooding took place in November 2019 in parts of South Yorkshire, Gloucestershire and the Midlands, including areas within Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Worcestershire.

This £2 million Farming Recovery Fund supports farmers who suffered uninsurable damage to their property. They can apply for grants between £500 and £25,000 to cover a number of repair costs, including removing debris, re-cultivation and replacing damaged field gates.

It is open for applications from farmers with affected land in parts of South Yorkshire, Gloucestershire and the Midlands.

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Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers said: "I saw first-hand the impacts of this devastating flooding myself when visiting farmers in Lincolnshire in November. I am delighted we've been able to extend our Farming Recovery Fund to cover farmers in parts of South Yorkshire, Gloucestershire and the Midlands who were hit with unprecedented weather last year.

"This scheme, coupled with the other measures we've announced, will help farmers get back on their feet."

Rural Payments Agency Chief Executive Paul Caldwell added: "We recognise there has been severe and unprecedented weather this year, so the RPA is working hard to offer advice and support to affected farmers to complete their Farming Recovery Fund applications.

"The Farming Recovery Fund provides support to farmers following extreme flooding events, contributing to the costs of the clean-up operation and to uninsurable losses.

"While insurance will pay out for the majority of the damage, under the Farming Recovery Fund farmers will be able to apply for money to help cover unexpected costs – such as rebuilding fences and stone walls."

The application window for flood affected farmers in North Yorkshire and Wainfleet in Lincolnshire, which opened in September 2019, closes on 31 March. The window for this extension of the Fund will close on 31 July, but farmers are encouraged to submit their applications when they are able.

(CM/JG)