DROUGHT-STRICKEN farmer members of Swedish agri-co-op Lantmännen have been allocated an emergency support package worth around £19 million.

Drastically reduced harvests and a shortage of feed mean a loss of income and high costs for farmers, said Lantmännen, as it unveiled a series of 'extraordinary measures' to ease the situation for its members.

“Having been hit hard by the extreme heat and drought in spring and summer, farmers are now extremely worried," said chairman Per Lindhal. "We and the entire industry need to take strong action to make a difference for Sweden’s farmers. This support package provides money now – for all types of production."

The crisis within Swedish agriculture threat6ens to make the country a net importer instead of a net exporter of grain this year, and as a consequence of the shortage of animal feed, livestock will need to be slaughtered earlier, which can lead to a shortage of Swedish meat further down the line.

Lantmännen members will be given access to an additional refund and supplementary payment of 2% based on their trading with Lantmännen Lantbruk Sweden during the first eight months of the year, plus an extra discount and supplement of 2% of their trading with Lantmännen Lantbruk Sweden during the rest of the year. Trading includes purchases of supplies and sales of grain, oilseed crops, pulses and forage seeds. Payment will be made in two stages, one in September this year and the second in early 2019.

In addition to the above, the interest rate on Lantmännen's financing service is being cut by 1.5 % between September 2018 and March 2019. Low protein content deductions on milling wheat will also be waived on the 2018 harvest.