MPs WELCOMES NEWS THAT DEFRA WILL RAISE LIVESTOCK COMPENSATION

Cumbrian MPs Tim Farron and Rory Stewart have  welcomed the news that Defra will now give extra support to livestock farmers  blighted by the recent bad weather.

Defra has announced farmers will receive 90% of the  cost of removing sheep killed in snow, up from the expected 75%.  This  comes after a high profile campaign by Cumbrian MPs Tim Farron and Rory  Stewart.

After the snowstorms of March this year, the  government made £250,000 available to help English farmers in the worst-hit  areas with the costs of collecting fallen stock, but MPs wanted more. Just  over 1,000 farmers are eligible for the scheme. All will receive funds by the  end of this month.

Tim Farron MP said:“The  weather across the North and North  West England has been completely  devastating for many farmers.  Hundreds of sheep were lost, buried under  snow, and what should be an enjoyable lambing season was threatened with  complete destruction.  Working with Rory we were able to secure £250,000  for livestock farmers but we knew more was needed.  I am pleased the  government have listened to us and offered even more  support.”

Rory said:”The harsh winter we  experienced this year came on the back of eighteen uninterrupted months of  miserable weather. Tim and I were absolutely determined to do all we could to  try and alleviate the economic, the physical, and the emotional toll that this  has taken on our farmers, and we are delighted that Defra listened to our calls  and have made this compensation available, in addition to the initial funding  commitment of £250,000.”

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