FARMING Minister George Eustice has urged farmers wanting support to restore farmland damaged by December’s storms to get their applications in as soon as possible before the April 1 deadline.

All farmers in Cumbria, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Durham or Northumberland who have suffered losses as a result of flooding caused by Storm Desmond or Storm Eva are eligible to apply for support grants of up to £20,000.

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

Mr Eustice said: "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.

"But 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. Help is at hand via the Rural Services Helpline and farmers wanting support to apply should call 03000 200 301."

Once all checks are completed, the RPA can approve an application and farmers can claim. Payments against valid claims will be paid directly into bank accounts within five working days.

Farmers wanting to apply for the Farming Recovery Fund can also find the form and guidance on GOV.UK.

The fund covers a range of works including the restoration of: productive stock proof grassland; productive arable and horticultural land; field access or track ways, fencing or gates or water troughs; and the restoration of drainage on flood-damaged holdings.

It also covers damage to agricultural machinery that cannot be insured and damage to agricultural buildings that cannot be insured.