R.A.B.I is working with the Welsh Government to provide one-off discretionary grants to farmers in Wales suffering hardship following the 2018 summer drought.

The Welsh Government has made £240,000 available to R.A.B.I to give to Welsh working farmers still battling the knock-on effects of last year’s prolonged heatwave. All claims will be assessed and distributed by R.A.B.I.

Malcolm Thomas, chairman, said: “Last summer’s hot weather may seem like a distant memory, but many farmers are still playing catch-up from drought-related issues.

“2018 was a particularly challenging year for our industry and Welsh farmers, across various sectors, were amongst those hardest hit. We’re grateful to the Welsh Government for making this money available and we are determined to make sure it goes to where it is most needed. One-off, fixed payments of £3,000 per household will be available to farmers in Wales who are struggling to meet living costs due to last summer’s prolonged dry spell.”

R.A.B.I wants to hear from farmers in Wales whose ability to meet living costs has been impacted by the hot, dry summer of 2018. To qualify, over 50% of an applicant’s land must be based in Wales.

Mr Thomas added: “I would urge any farmer in Wales who is struggling because of last summer’s testing weather conditions to get in touch. Every call and application will be handled in complete confidence.”

To apply for a one-off grant call the dedicated helpline 0808 168 7297, open Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, to speak to a member of R.A.B.I’s support team and request an application form. Completed application forms must be received by R.A.B.I by 5pm on April 30, 2019. Successful applicants will be contacted during May and all grants will be paid by May 30, 2019. When assessing applications, levels of personal hardship and savings will be considered.