UK’s RABDF calls government to support dairy farmers affected by Covid-19

UK-based Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) has urged the government to provide short-term financial support to dairy farmers amid the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis.

RABDF noted that the outbreak of the pandemic has severely impacted dairy farmers businesses in the country.

RABDF has put forward its plans to the government, under which it asked that reimbursement is provided to the dairy farmers who have been receiving significantly reduced value or are having to dispose of their milk as a result of their processor being heavily reliant on the foodservice sector.

If the proposal is approved by the government, around 300 farmers will subsequently be benefitted and eligible for reimbursement.

The scheme aims to reimburse dairy farmers up to their standard milk price for example 25ppl for conventional.

RABDF hopes that the farmers will be paid directly from the government in their monthly milk cheque, rather than via their processor.

The financial assistance will be provided to only those dairy farmers who have been supplying its milk products to the processor and has been affected solely from the impact of Covid-19.

Dairy farmers who have insurance coverage or being getting full pay for the products will not be eligible for this scheme.