HUNDREDS of hard-pressed dairy farmers in Cumbria are to receive a one-off payment to help with cash-flow problems stemming from the low prices for milk and other produce.

Dairy farmers in England will share £15.5million in recognition of the prolonged period of low prices – meaning that each farmer will receive on average £1,820.

Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said: “We recognise that many dairy farmers are suffering financial difficulty at the moment and this support will offer some relief.

“While it’s right that the immediate focus is on support for farmers’ cash flow, it is equally important that we help build for the long term.”

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Defra says it is also pursuing other measures, including:

* Working with the food industry on more consistent labelling and branding of British dairy products, improving transparency across the supply chain and allocating more space on shop shelves.

* An industry-led review of best practice in the dairy supply chain facilitated by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.

* A commitment to publish details of central government catering contracts, including their renewal dates, to bring transparency to the market and allow dairy farmers the opportunity to prepare and compete for contracts.

* A trade delegation to China next month, including eight British dairy businesses, to promote quality British products to the growing market.