Farmers affected by flooding in the early part of this year can now access increased funding to help rebuild their business and get their land back into production.

Last winter was the wettest on record and badly hit areas – mostly in the South-West – were brought to a standstill by severe flooding, which in some cases saw land being inundated over a period of several months.

Form Monday, the government's recovery grant scheme opened to farmers, who can claim up to £35,000 to help overcome the impacts of flooding, even if they applied for grants under the last grant scheme (which had the lower upward limit of £5,000).

The scheme is part of a £10 million farming recovery fund unveiled in February. The deadline for applications to the fund is 27 June 2014. Defra officials have claimed that the government has so far pledged to pay out £540 million to flood support schemes, repair work and flood defence measures.

Commenting as the scheme opened on Monday, Environment Secretary Owen Paterson said, "Our farming industry contributes billions of pounds to the UK economy every year. We want to see those farmers affected by flooding get back to business as soon as possible."

Defra said it had simplified the application process (scrapping the need for three quotes for a number of commonly requested items, such as grass seed and fencing, in favour of a list of maximum guide prices) and has pledged to deal with applications within two weeks of receiving a request for funding.   

NFU President Meurig Raymond also commented, "This funding is essential to help cover the costs of restoring damaged land following the unprecedented storms this winter, which have also had an enormous impact on so many people’s livelihoods.

"We are especially pleased to see that a list of standard costs will be used and that Government is committed to and is delivering such a fast turnaround so communities – both of which will speed up the help provided."