"Hill Farm Allowance top-up needed now" - Farron

Liberal Democrat MP and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Hill Farming Group Tim Farron has today urged DEFRA Ministers to ensure that the promised top up of the Hill Farm Allowance following the foot and mouth outbreak this summer will be issued to farmers as soon as possible. The Rural Payments Agency recently confirmed that the payments would be made by the end of October.

Mr Farron said:

"I know a number of farmers in my constituency who have lost thousands of pounds following the outbreak this summer, which came at the worst possible time.

"I want an assurance from the Department that these payments will be made as a matter of urgency - and their record for paying up on time does not make for pleasant reading for farmers. I would also ask that any farmers in my constituency who do not receive their payment before the end of October to get in touch with my office."