The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) supports European Union policy on rural development by financing programmes across Member States. Difficulties have been reported in the farming and food sectors arising from the movement restrictions put in place as a result of COVID-19, as well as the closure of shops and hospitality venues. Farmers and small rural businesses therefore need emergency support to maintain their activities. These measures allow for a one-off lump sum payment to farmers and to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which process, market and / or develop agricultural products. This funding is limited to £4,345 for farmers and £43,452 per SME.
The Committee is writing to the Minister to ask about the precise funding that would be available, whether any part of the UK intends to make use of the scheme, and what equivalent domestic initiatives have been launched.
Correspondence on this issue has now been closed.