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.
Since the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the dairy industry has faced challenges of excess milk, falling prices, and reduced demand from the hospitality sector.
Defra has set up a fund to help those dairy farmers most in need in England overcome the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The new funding will help support dairy farmers who have seen decreased demand for their products as bars, restaurants and cafes have had to close.
The fund will be administered by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).
Dairy Response Fund
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 by the Rural Payments Agency.
Eligibility
Please read the Dairy Recovery Fund handbook above to see if you are eligible to apply.
Only use the application form if you meet the eligibility requirements detailed in the handbook.
If you are eligible to apply, complete a Dairy Response Fund 2020 application form and email it to dairyresponse@rpa.gov.uk.
Applications must be received by midnight on Friday 14 August 2020.
