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A recent Freedom of Information (FOI) request has uncovered that the UK government has only spent around £2m out of the allocated £50m for its Farming Recovery Fund. The fund was established to assist farmers in recovering from the flooding caused by Storm Henk in January 2024, offering grants ranging from £500 to £25,000 to help farmers restore their land following the natural disaster.

Initially limited to areas severely affected by Storm Henk, such as Gloucestershire, Leicestershire, and Lincolnshire, the eligibility for the fund was later expanded to include other regions like Berkshire, Herefordshire, and Oxfordshire. According to data obtained through an FOI request from Farmers Weekly to the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), a total of 672 payments have been made under the scheme, amounting to £2,143,726. The average payment per farm stands at £3,190, with the most heavily impacted areas in the North like North Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire receiving significant payments.

Despite the fund’s efforts, some farmers like Lincolnshire arable farmer Henry Ward have yet to receive any assistance, leaving them significantly out of pocket due to the floods. The NFU and the Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) are advocating for continued pressure on Defra and the RPA to ensure affected farmers can access the fund for uninsurable damages caused by the flooding.

NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos expressed disappointment in the lack of government support for farmers affected by the severe storms. With reports indicating possible updates on the fund in the upcoming Budget, Hallos emphasized the immediate need for assistance to aid farmers in their recovery efforts, especially as more heavy rain poses a threat to the next planting season.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has hinted at budget cuts to address public finance deficits, placing the agriculture sector under scrutiny. However, Defra acknowledged the need for funding to support affected farmers following record-breaking wet winter and spring seasons. The government plans to accelerate the construction of flood defences through the Flood Resilience Taskforce, with farmer representatives actively involved in the process.

Moving forward, Defra promises to provide further information on the Farming Recovery Fund through its farming blog when available, highlighting the government’s commitment to protecting farmers’ businesses and homes from the devastating impacts of flooding.

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