UK farmers urged to claim E.coli cash

Following lobbying by organisations such as the National Farmers’ Union, domestic producers will now be able to tap into the 210 million euro emergency package for those who have lost out.

British farmers are already estimated to have lost as much as £3m following the E.coli outbreak, which claimed several lives in Germany and Sweden.

The Government has advised producers to act quickly to apply for support under the EU compensation scheme.

Open to growers of tomatoes, lettuce, endives, cucumbers, sweet peppers and courgettes, it is designed to provide aid for growers whose produce has been withdrawn from sale or has not been harvested.

Agriculture Minister Jim Paice said: “British salad growers are facing a tough time through no fault of their own and I urge those affected to act quickly. This funding is only available for a very limited time and it’s vital that UK producers don’t miss out.”

NFU horticulture and potatoes board chairman Sarah Pettitt warned: “If growers were to ignore this package in the hope they may get something else better at a later date, they may end up getting nothing at all.” The deadline for applications is Thursday, June 30. Contact the Rural Payments Agency.