FARMERS in North Yorkshire and the North-East who suffered losses caused by flooding from Storm Desmond or Storm Eva can apply for support grants.

Those suffering from uninsurable losses can apply for Farming Recovery Fund grants of up to £20,000 via the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) to help restore farmland, rebuild tracks and repair drains and reinstate boundaries.

This fund covers a range of restoration and repair works including productive stock proof grassland, arable and horticultural land, field access or track ways, fencing, gates or water troughs, drainage on flood-damaged holdings, and damage to agricultural machinery and buildings that cannot be insured.

Farming Minister George Eustice urged farmers to submit their applications before the deadline of April 1.

He said: “These payments are part of a wider £200m package of government support set up to help communities affected by the devastating floods in Northern England. “So far 107 applications worth over £1.1million have been submitted to the RPA and the agency has been acting swiftly and doing a great job approving applications within ten working days.

“I want every eligible flood-affected farmer to be able to access this vital money as soon as possible to help them get back to normal.”

Payments against valid claims will be paid directly into bank accounts within five working days.

To apply for the fund, visit gov.uk/government/collections/the-farming-recovery-fund.

For support in applying, call the Rural Services Helpline on 0300-020-0301.