Feds welcomes increased rural assistance

MEDIA RELEASE

18 September 2008

Feds welcomes increased rural assistance

Federated Farmers adverse events spokesman, Frank Brenmuhl welcomed this week the announcement by government of increased rural assistance payments for farming families facing hardship.

The increase which is effective this week sees the rural assistance payment provided by Work and Income, rise from 75 percent of the applicable unemployment benefit to 100 percent. Rural assistance payments are activated when the government officially declares an adverse event.

“For those farmers whose incomes have dropped to the point where they require this assistance this gesture will be appreciated,”Mr Brenmuhl said.

"Federated Farmers has a major role in coordination during adverse events. All farmers are subject to the challenges of the weather from time to time, so it is important that we have measures in place to assist when farmers need help to get through these challenges.

“Federated Farmers has worked to establish a network of rural support trusts throughout the country. If farmers require assistance with adverse events they should call the Federation’s hotline 0800 327 646.

“Rural support trusts are invaluable as independent and focused advocates, advisors and mediators for farmers in distress, and provide some assurance that support will be ongoing once the immediate crisis recedes and media interest wanes,” Mr Brenmuhl concluded.

ENDS

© Scoop Media