Snow aid of almost £700k for farmers

The government says farmers hit by the heavy snows earlier this year have already been given almost £690,000 in aid.

The Council of Ministers’ latest quarterly economic report says the Agriculture Severe Weather Assistance Scheme set up in the wake of March’s snow has paid out £540,000.

The document says the support for 200 farmers, many of whom lost large numbers of livestock, has been vital to ensure the survival of farm businesses.

On top of the government’s scheme, the Isle of Man Agricultural Benevolent Trust has paid out almost £150,000.