Gildernew gets Executive backing to discuss winter hardship funding

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA, has secured Executive agreement to consider hardship funding for potato and vegetable growers affected by recent severe weather.

The Minister is to discuss with DFP Minister Sammy Wilson financial support from the Executive for a facility to provide hardship assistance funding to farmers who suffered crop damage due to the recent cold weather.

The Minister said: "There are currently no financial support measures available for farmers and my Department is facing significant financial pressures. But my Executive colleagues have recognised the difficulties caused for some potato and vegetable growers by the recent severe frost and have agreed that I meet with the DFP Minister to discuss hardship funding for those worse affected.

"I intend to have my officials undertake an assessment of the damage caused to potato and vegetable crops by the severe frost in January 2010. Subject to the outcome of this assessment, consideration will be given to a suitable scheme which will be subject to the EU State Aid rules.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Executive agreed to discussions with the DFP Minister around funding for hardship assistance to potato and vegetable growers who suffered crop damage due to severe frost in January 2010.
2. The Agriculture (Hardship Payment) Scheme (Northern Ireland) 2009, provided for hardship payments to farmers who reported losses to the Department as a result of the flooding in August 2008.
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