Temporary Fallen Stock rules in place, but beware of regional variations
18th April 2013
Pressure from a number of farming organisations, including NSA, has resulted in support (some of it financial) and temporary fallen stock rules being introduced in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in the aftermath of the snowy weather. However, the rules are different in all areas and NSA urges all members to check which changes apply to them (see below).
Also, although all local authorities are aware of the unprecedented circumstances and have been asked to take a ‘pragmatic and supportive stance’, NSA recommends that all members in all situations make a record of what they are doing – not only if they are disposing of fallen stock on-farm, but if they are aware of fallen stock but cannot get to it, or are having to store fallen stock for longer than usual. We know farmers are doing everything they can and will support any member in the unlikely situation of them being challenged by a local authority at a later date, but good on-farm records will help.
ENGLAND: Today (18th April) Defra annouced £250,000 of support, which will be used to reimburse part of the National Fallen Stock Scheme fees charged to affected farmers. The derogation allowing farmers to bury and burn Fallen Stock is also still in place but only in specific circumstances, so please contact your local authority (i.e. local council) for more information.
WALES: The Welsh Government has not made money available directly to farmers, but has donated £500,000 to farming charities and said it will bring forward the date affected farmers can receive their Single Farm Payment, to help with cash flow issues. The derogation on burying Fallen Stock has also been extended in Conwy, Denbighshire, Wrexham, Gwynedd, Flintshire, Montgomeryshire and Radnorshire, and farmers needing more information about how to obtain a derogation can speak to N atural Resources Wales on 0300 065 3000.
SCOTLAND: The Scottish Government has a pot of £500,000 to pay compensation to farmers who have incurred high costs sending carcases to the National Fallen Stock Scheme. It has also pledged to add to this fund if it will not go far enough to aleviate the situation.
NORTHERN IRELAND: DARD is covering the cost of collecting and disposing of fallen stock and offering hardship payments. While help is specifically for farmers in postcode areas BT25, 31, 33-36, 40, 43, 44 and 54, DARD has said farmers in other areas will also be considered. Visit the DARD website to find out more but all collections must be arranged before midnight tomorrow (19th April) to be free of charge.
It is disappointing that no farmers outside of Northern Ireland look likely to be offered hardship payments, and NSA also shares members’ frustration that only members of the National Fallen Stock Company can access funding and the rules surrounding on-farm burial in England and Wales have been complicated. However, there are people outside of Government willing to help and we would urge anyone struggling to pay bills, now or in the weeks to come, to contact one of the charities listed below:-
- Addington Fund: 01926 620135
- Scotland’s Gatepost Helpline: 0300 1114166 (ran by RASBI)
- Farm Crisis Network: 0845 367 9990
- RABI: 01865 727888
- Find more information on the Farming Help website.
