Andy Burnham announces £65m package for drought-hit farmers

Andy Burnham announced a £65 million support package for farmers affected by the severe drought in England. The Independent + 41The IndependentAndy Burnham to announce £65m for drought-hit farmers15 ago, 03:232standard.co.ukDon’t light fires in ‘tinderbox’ Britain, says Andy Burnham before farms meeting14 ago, 19:013The IndependentFarmers to get £65m drought aid as Burnham warned industry at ‘breaking point’14 ago, 17:464The GuardianBurnham announces £65m for drought-hit farmers after Labour pressure14 ago, 17:305mirror.co.ukAndy Burnham unveils £65million package for farmers at 'sharp end' of extreme weather14 ago, 17:29

The Prime Minister made the announcement during a visit to a farm in South West England on Saturday. He also warned that farmers are at the sharp end of a changing climate and should not carry the risk alone. The Independent + 33The IndependentFarmers to get £65m drought aid as Burnham warned industry at ‘breaking point’14 ago, 17:464The GuardianBurnham announces £65m for drought-hit farmers after Labour pressure14 ago, 17:305mirror.co.ukAndy Burnham unveils £65million package for farmers at 'sharp end' of extreme weather14 ago, 17:292standard.co.ukDon’t light fires in ‘tinderbox’ Britain, says Andy Burnham before farms meeting14 ago, 19:01

The severe drought has forced many farmers to harvest crops early, resulting in significantly reduced yields. Extreme heat and water shortages have also caused heat stress in livestock and warnings of potential fruit, potato and dairy shortages. The Independent + 11The IndependentAndy Burnham to announce £65m for drought-hit farmers15 ago, 03:233The IndependentFarmers to get £65m drought aid as Burnham warned industry at ‘breaking point’14 ago, 17:46

Agricultural workers are struggling with escalating fuel and fertiliser costs, adding to financial difficulties. The Independent + 11The IndependentAndy Burnham to announce £65m for drought-hit farmers15 ago, 03:233The IndependentFarmers to get £65m drought aid as Burnham warned industry at ‘breaking point’14 ago, 17:46

The funding includes an extra £50 million for the Sustainable Farming Incentive, bringing its total budget to £290 million. Another £15 million will go to build on-farm reservoirs for future dry summers. standard.co.uk + 42standard.co.ukDon’t light fires in ‘tinderbox’ Britain, says Andy Burnham before farms meeting14 ago, 19:013The IndependentFarmers to get £65m drought aid as Burnham warned industry at ‘breaking point’14 ago, 17:464The GuardianBurnham announces £65m for drought-hit farmers after Labour pressure14 ago, 17:305mirror.co.ukAndy Burnham unveils £65million package for farmers at 'sharp end' of extreme weather14 ago, 17:291The IndependentAndy Burnham to announce £65m for drought-hit farmers15 ago, 03:23

However, Gavin Lane, president of the Country Land and Business Association, called the package a temporary fix and warned that the UK lacks a plan for climate change adaptation. The Independent + 11The IndependentAndy Burnham to announce £65m for drought-hit farmers15 ago, 03:233The IndependentFarmers to get £65m drought aid as Burnham warned industry at ‘breaking point’14 ago, 17:46