NFU advisor for Herefordshire says flooding has had a real impact on farmers in the region
The county is currently under review regarding the Farming Recovery Fund
Last updated 17th Apr 2024
A National Farmers Union (NFU) advisor for Herefordshire says it's vital the area is not forgotten about when it comes to the Farming Recovery Fund.
The county is currently under review from Defra as to whether it is eligible for grants of between £500 and £25,000 from the government.
Ali Parker is from the NFU for the region and says recent flooding has had a major impact on farms.
She said: "It's been absolutely devastating for farmers in Herefordshire, and in general.
"Soil has been waterlogged, so the crops have struggled to grow, and I think anyone living in Herefordshire would agree that we have had some significant flooding, even in areas that wouldn't normally flood.
"I think there's absolutely no doubt that Herefordshire should be eligible for this funding, and it would be welcomed, but it won't cover all of the farmers losses, and it won't magically mean that we have got crops in the ground to harvest later on in the year either."
Worcestershire farmers were informed last week that they would be able to access the grants, which would help to try and return their land to the condition it was in before exceptional flooding due to Storm Henk.
Flooding has already caused the planting of crops for some farmers to be delayed, with livestock also having to be kept inside still.
Ali said: "Many farmers in the county haven't been able to get their crops in the ground, so they're left at the moment waiting and hoping to try and get something in the ground this spring.
"That window is closing very rapidly, and those who did manage to get some crops in the ground back in the autumn have seen those fail due to the flooding.
"Some haven't been able to turn their sheep out into the field, so they're having to try and keep them inside for longer, which means they're using a lot more food than they would do."