NFU MUTUAL has announced a £32million Coronavirus support package for farmers and rural communities.

Amongst the targets for this money, the insurer is donating millions to local and national charities, as well as rural and mental health causes, to help support the countryside through the pandemic lockdown

At a local level NFU Mutual has set up a £1m Emergency Coronavirus Fund to be released through its Agency network to help local charities and communities across the UK, from the Highlands and Islands to rural towns and remote villages.

There will also be an added £750,000 donation to the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, enabling donations of up to £1m to support national organisations – reaching the isolated and vulnerable experiencing stress and worry, as well as families facing financial challenges due to coronavirus. The Mutual is also making a £50,000 donation to affiliated charity, the Farm Safety Foundation, to support and extend its mental health work during this period of isolation.

At the same time, the insurer is developing a range of insurance cover changes to protect its policy holders, including increased cover in key farming sectors, alongside continued availability of its existing uncollected milk insurance, and free extended public liability cover for farmers selling their own produce directly to the public.

To help the majority of farmers who are self-employed, the company is also to include insurance for Covid-19 in its Personal Accident and Group Personal Accident policies. That cover will be available for new and existing customers, to help keep income flowing if the farmer and farm workers are unable to work due to contracting Coronavirus. The Mutual projected that it would provide around £12m worth of pay-outs for members affected by the illness in 2020.

Farmer and chairman of NFU Mutual, Jim McLaren, said: “For over a hundred years we have stood by the side of farmers and we are determined to do everything we can to support our customers and the countryside through these difficult times.

"Our wide-ranging £32m support package includes financial support for rural charities, together with additional insurance cover to help our members. Our 300 agent offices, based in the heart of our rural communities, will also be distributing funds to local causes.

“British farmers and growers are playing a vital role in the national effort, despite facing enormous challenges themselves," said Mr McLaren. "Adding protection for farmers will support the agricultural industry when the nation needs it most.

“Despite the challenges we are also facing, we will continue to offer a high level of Mutual Bonus this year, saving our loyal customers £250m in the form of premium discounts, because we recognise this is a difficult period for all. Streamlining our claims process is also making it easier for our members to get the payments they need, quickly and safely at this critical time.”

NFU Scotland chief executive Scott Walker commented: “It is good to see our partner organisation NFU Mutual rallying round the industry in this time of crisis.

“This is a package of support that will benefit many grassroots farming and crofting members who are customers of the mutual. The charitable donations and the extra funding for the Farm Safety Foundation to extend its mental health work will be very well received during this period of lock down.

“With its reputation built around trust, reliability and customer service, these measures will make a real difference and provide valuable reassurance to customers that the Mutual is there for them at this very difficult time."

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