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<p>We recognise the challenges facing the dairy sector. The Prime Minister set out
new support for farmers to strengthen food security and grow the economy at the Farm
to Fork Food Summit on 16 May 2023. This includes the creation of a £1 million programme
to help dairy businesses, particularly SMEs, to seize export opportunities.</p><p>
</p><p>In addition, the Government has acted to support the agricultural sector, including
dairy farmers, in a number of ways.</p><p> </p><ul><li>The Farming Investment Fund
offers opportunities for dairy farmers (and others) to apply for grants towards the
purchase of equipment and technology, and to help fund transformational infrastructure
projects, that increase productivity, boost environmental sustainability and improve
animal health and welfare. Eligible investments include slurry infrastructure and
robotic milking systems for example.</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>Furthermore, in May
2023, the Government more than doubled the funding available in the first round of
Slurry Infrastructure grant, with further rounds to follow. The scheme will support
a large number of dairy farmers to upgrade their slurry systems, to improve organic
nutrient use, reduce pollution and improve farm productivity.</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>The
Government made changes in 2022 to guidance on farmers using manures and steps aimed
at bringing about more sustainable fertiliser technologies through the Sustainable
Farming Incentive (SFI).</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>2022 also saw increased grants for
farmers and growers and boosting research and development through the Farming Innovation
Programme.</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>In 2022, the Basic Payment Scheme payment was
amended so that payments are made in two instalments to give farmers greater financial
fluidity for the remainder of the agricultural transition period.</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>In
January 2023, I set out in the Environmental Land Management Update details of new
SFI actions that will be available in 2023. In 2024 we will be adding new actions
to those currently available in SFI and Countryside Stewardship and improving a number
of existing Countryside Stewardship options, which will provide more support to the
industry and drive uptake at a time of rising costs for farmers as a result of global
challenges.</li></ul>
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