Short-term financial aid, usually through grants of up to £3,000, is available to farmers and farm businesses in England and Wales when an emergency situation has or will create unforeseen additional expenditure.
The Addington Fund emerged at the start of the 21st century as a consequence of two farming stock diseases that significantly affected farming communities in England and Wales: Swine Fever and Foot and Mouth Disease. In the case of the latter outbreak, the countryside - particularly the South-West region - was virtually shut down and considerable hardship occurred for all who lived and worked or relied upon fanning and rural dwelling.
The Addington Fund offers short-term financial aid to farmers and farm businesses when an emergency situation has or will create unforeseen additional expenditure. People directly connected to agriculture who live in England and Wales and who are experiencing hardship due to exceptional circumstances may apply. Match funding is not a stipulated requirement of the scheme. Applicants are advised to contact the Fund directly to discuss any restrictions prior to applying.
Grants can be awarded for people who were employed on a farm, are resident in England, or are a widow, widower, a son or daughter or a dependent of someone who works or has worked in farming.
The Fund offers the following support:
Housing – the housing scheme offers farmers and farm workers the chance to live in a location of their choice, when they have to leave their farm, perhaps because of ill health, retirement or non-viability of the farm and by doing so, will also lose their home.
Emergency Relief - emergency support during times of crisis, through Forage Aid, whether dealing with the impacts of flooding, drought, animal disease (such as bluetongue) or unexpected personal crises causing feed and bedding shortages. The Fund offers grants and practical assistance to help safeguard livestock, maintain business continuity and support farmer wellbeing. One-off emergency grants of up to £3,000 are offered to vulnerable working farmers facing severe short-term hardship.
New Entrant Scheme - this scheme is designed to encourage and enable the next generation of farmers, offering targeted financial support for those establishing their careers and adopting resilient, innovative and sustainable farming practices. Grants of up to £3,000 are available for individuals aged 18 to 40 in England and Wales who started farming within the last two years (or are about to start). It covers items like soil/fodder analysis, livestock health planning, mobile fencing, and animal health products.
The Fund is also establishing a network of starter farms, providing support for their first step onto the farming ladder.
The George Stephens Trust Fund - smaller specific grants of up to £600 or £1,000 are available for essential household items, white goods, or bedding for current or former farm workers in qualifying circumstances, particularly where alternative funding isn’t available. The Trust Fund can support the purchase of:
- Beds
- Disability equipment not covered by other organisations
- Help towards heating costs
- Help with rental deposit for a home (when not provided by your Council)
- Home furnishings
- Lighting
- Showers
- Telephones
- Washing machines, fridges and cookers
- Vehicle repairs, and
Any other items at the discretion of our Trustees (please contact the Addington Fund to discuss your needs).
Further information and details about how to apply to the above and other support schemes is available on the Addington Fund’s website (click on the 'How we help' tab).