Fund to support dairy farmers opens for applications

The dairy response fund has opened today (18 June) for applications from eligible dairy farmers in England in need of support following the coronavirus outbreak.

To be eligible for support from the fund, farmers in England need to demonstrate that they have suffered a reduction in the average price paid for their milk of 25% or more in April 2020 when compared with February 2020.

Qualifying farmers are entitled to up to £10,000 each to cover 70% of their losses across April and May incurred as a result of a drop in price, following a reduced demand for milk with the closure of restaurants, bars, and cafes in recent months.

This financial support will help farmers maintain production capacity and sustain their business without impacts on animal welfare.

Farmers will be able to apply for a single payment from the fund, which will be paid out from 6 July. Applications can be submitted directly to the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).

The deadline for applications will be 14 August.