There is a growing trend for in-work farmers being forced to seek help from charities, according to one major farm sector organisation. In 2016, agricultural charity RABI saw a 67% rise in the number of farmers and workers who were in work and still needed financial assistance.

This shift in the requests being made of RABI is the result of a combination of worrying factors, according to charity CEO Paul Burrows, who said, “It’s been a challenging year for many in the farming sector with bad weather, animal disease, fluctuating commodity prices and late RPA payments all contributing to the difficulties encountered by some.

“Farmers, in our experience, do not want or readily seek charity. However, our message to them is ‘there is no shame in turning to R.A.B.I to help you through the bad times’.”

Last year, £450,000 from RABI went to farmers, farm workers and their dependents. This still accounts for around a quarter of the £2m in assistance distributed by RABI, but the whole budget increased compared to last year, and the funds going to in-work farmers and workers rose from £269,000 in 2015. The effects of winter flooding also led to a number of farmers requiring assistance.

North Yorkshire had the highest number of requests for help, though a large amount of funds went to employed farmers and workers in Wales, and RABI also advised people to help them claim state benefits to which they were entitled.  

Trish Pickford, R.A.B.I head of welfare, said, “Our welfare staff undertook a variety of training courses during 2016. The Universal Credit system is still being rolled out and staff are also getting to grips with more and more mandatory reconsiderations and appeals on behalf of people turned down for Employment and Support Allowance and Personal Independence Payments.

“We have also been involved with the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group regarding Universal Credit for the self-employed and are still very concerned about the impact this will have on farmers who have low incomes.”

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