Alan Lovell was challenged by Lincolnshire arable farmer Andrew Ward at NFU Conference 2024 to understand the impact flooding had on the health and well-being of farmers
Flooding Secretary Emma Hardy has criticised the previous Conservative Government for failing to protect rural and farming communities from flooding
The Tenant Farmers Association said the Government's decision to make area-based payments without considering evidenced claims has resulted in more severely affected farmers losing out on compensation 'with no means of recourse'
In today's Farming in Five, chief reporter Rachael Brown understands an emergency roundtable meeting has been called for later today between farming organisations and Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner to discuss the fallout from Defra's decision last week to suspend new applications to SFI. She also reports on the appointment of Dr David Llewellyn as the independent monitoring and reporting commissioner for the recommendations from the UK Farm Assurance Review. And why a Cambridgeshire tenant farmer has been left 'fuming' at Defra after he was left with no compensation from the Farming Recovery Fund
Wildfarmed's Andy Cato writes on Defra's SFI24 closure, why it is vital that farmers receive support for their efforts in nature and climate recovery, and why nature-rich food production should be seen as the most valuable of investments rather than a subsidy by Government
Rachael Madeley-Davies, AHDB head of environment said: "Ensuring that soil remains permeable and minimising compaction is an easy win in terms of soil health and adapting to managing increased rainfall and flooding implications on farmland"
Farmers urged to prepare for multi-hazard weather event of high winds, snow and heavy rain
"Safety for farmers, family members and workers should always be the number one priority. And while fully understanding the pressures farmers are under, it is vital they avoid taking risks which could lead to injury or fatalities"
According to Defra, around 13,000 farmers were impacted by severe wet weather, including Storms Henk and Babet, between October and March last year
Defra promises raft of measures and confirms farmers to receive Recovery Fund cash in days