Weather

With changing support structures for farmers and concerns over food standards in post-Brexit trade deals presenting unprecedented challenges for Number 10, has the Government delivered on its promises for UK farming?

Farm groups have welcomed a series of emergency measures issued by Government to support Welsh farmers during the coronavirus outbreak.

As I write, several local towns are again cut off by road due to flooding, many for the fourth time in as many weeks. As soon as we enjoy a dry day, there is a two-day deluge and the water rises again to dangerous levels, leaving homes and businesses flooded and roads impassable.

Britain’s rising need for food security in a post-Brexit world will lead to a higher strategic value being placed on farmland, delegates attending a seminar at the Floodex event heard.

March is already upon us, with spring soon approaching as gauged by the daffodils, primroses and the date on the calendar. However, most days these last few weeks, the climate has been extremely changeable, with four seasons on several days, but the constant theme has been rain and more rain.

Defra Secretary George Eustice defended the Government’s response to the flooding crisis after farmers told the NFU Conference ’inaction’ had put businesses in jeopardy.

Flood affected farmers have been encouraged to apply for funding following a sustained period of severe wet weather, which has left many facing mounting bills for damage.

Storms Ciara and Dennis should act as a prompt for farmers to ensure they are adequately covered both for damage to the farm and the environment.

Flood affected farmers have come together to help with relief efforts, as heavy rainfall continues to batter farms across the UK.

There is a threat of ‘significant flooding’ in northern England, as heavy rainfall continues to fall on heavily saturated ground.