Government to make advance payment to farmers

Fri, 27 Jul 2018

Farmers will receive an advance payment to help cover the increased cost of food and bedding for livestock following the recent hot spell.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture says the dry weather has put increased pressure on farmers' finances due to crops struggling to grow, and pushing up the prices of such products on the open market.

As a result, farmers will receive 60% of the annual funding from the Agricultural Development Scheme this month, instead of the usual 50%.

DEFA hopes this payment will give farmers the opportunity to purchase straw and grass for the winter.

The Department is also working with the farming industry and the Manx National Farmers Union to see if other measures can be put in place should the need arise.