Covid-19: Wales launches funding to support dairy farmers

The Government of Wales has launched funding to support the Welsh dairy farmers hit by Covid-19 outbreak.

Wales Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths confirmed that eligible dairy farmers who have lost more than 25% of their income in April and subsequently in May will be entitled to up to £10,000 to cover 70% of their lost income.

The fund should help farmers to operate without impacting animal welfare and the environment.

A consumer campaign, led by AHDB, is also announced to increase consumer demand for milk by 3%.

Additionally, the Government of Wales announced the temporary relaxation of competition laws to allow greater collaboration. It will help the sector, including dairy farmers and processors, to work closely to solve the differences between supply and demand.

The government will also open EU Public intervention and private storage aid for skimmed milk, butter and cheese.

Announcing the funding, Griffiths said: “The closure of the foodservice sector has had an immediate and significant impact on our dairy sector and market prices.

“The measures introduced so far will help provide some stability for the dairy sector, but I recognise there is a need to support those farms hardest hit by a situation which is primarily outside of their control.

“We will continue to work closely with the sector to help them address the issues they face at this difficult time. By working together we can ensure an optimistic future for the dairy sector and its supply chain in Wales.”