MP secures assurance from Minister of financial package for dairy farmers

South Lakes MP has secured an assurance from DEFRA Secretary George Eustice that the Government are working on a financial support package for dairy farmers that have been severely affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

The closure of restaurants and cafes has seen a collapse in demand for milk, alongside a big drop in prices paid by dairy processors.

Two weeks ago, the Department for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs ruled out a coronavirus bailout for the dairy industry, in response to lobbying from Tim and the National Farmers Union.

But in a meeting with Tim yesterday, the Secretary of State told Tim that the Government are now working on a bespoke welfare package for dairy farmers.

Tim said: "I'm really glad that, just weeks after we were told there was zero chance of this happening, ministers and civil servants are now drawing up plans to give financial support to struggling dairy farmers in Cumbria and across the country.

"We will continue to keep a close eye on this to make sure that the Secretary of State delivers a package that is big enough and wide enough in scope to keep our farmers going.

"But in the meantime let's be encouraged that our lobbying has worked, and I am very grateful to the dozens of local farmers who have written to me over the past month to help me fight for them."