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package, and since then, the NFU has been talking to Defra about how the scheme could be delivered and the eligibility criteria that should govern it. “Following the announcement we are seeking to understand the apparent switch from the scheme’s eligibility based upon loss of income, now to pence per litre milk price and how that might have a bearing on the number of farmers able to apply. COVID-19 has caused widespread disturbance in the dairy market and there is a danger that the scheme will fall short of what the NFU, and many in the industry, had anticipated when we saw the announcement last month. As we improve our understanding of how the scheme is landing on farms, we will be seeking further discussions with ministers and officials.” Oakes has said that the union is seeking further clarification from Defra, and hopes the department will offer farmers the support they need. specialityfoodmagazine.com 23 D airy farmers in the UK who’ve struggled amidst the pandemic could lose out on the Government’s coronavirus dairy fund after Defra changed the qualifying criteria. The UK’s dairy industry was one of the hardest hit during COVID-19, so when the Government announced its ‘hardship’ scheme to provide financial support to dairy farmers back in May, it was welcome news. The fund meant English dairy farmers could apply for up to £10,000 in cash payments, receiving 70% of income lost during April and May, to allow them to continue operating and sustain their production without impacting animal welfare. NFU’s dairy board had been working closely with Defra to fine tune the scheme, which was originally announced on 6th May, and to offer more clarity to desperate farmers. After weeks of waiting for the scheme to come into effect, the industry was surprised by the announcement of an apparent switch in the qualifying criteria when the Government recently released details of the fund. According to the new details, eligible farmers who have lost more than 25% of their income over April and May owing to coronavirus disruptions will be eligible to access funding for those qualifying months, with no cap set on the number of farmers who can receive the support, or on the total funding available. The fund was due to start paying out from 18th June. However, the amended criteria means that some farmers on split-price contracts could miss out, and the new criteria could impact farmers who acted responsibly in the wake of lockdown, and reined in milk production. Speaking about the recent details, NFU dairy board chairman Michael Oakes said: “We welcomed the original announcement of the Changes to hardship scheme could impact hardest hit dairy farmers “Whatever happens, plan for it” I hear voices. This is not the indicator of a meltdown during lockdown, but rather an exploration of what goes on during my business planning. I’m not besieged by a devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other, it’s just that the forces of expansion and prudence alternate somewhat. I think of them in the context of two of the disciplines that I studied, and then worked at in my early working life: The Marketeer and The Accountant. Both have the same ultimate goal of nurturing a sustainable profitable business, but they come at that from slightly different directions. Nothing happens without the input of both. As I write, lockdown is easing, and I’ve been talking with two new cheese retailers, both of whom launched this weekend. Each has looked long and hard at the potential market for their new ventures and has decided (independently) that the right time is right now. My inner marketeer loves the excitement of the broad range of variables in what some are already tired of calling ‘the new normal’. Availability of cheeses, pricing forecasts, distribution channels and access to credit can no longer be taken for granted. There are great opportunities out there, and different ways of reaching customers and of fitting into their new routines. The recent hiatus in normal trading has given many the opportunity to look at reflecting on what works, what hasn’t worked for a while, what just needs a fresh coat of paint and what new ideas are worth exploring. The sleeping accountant within me recognises the validity of having used this time to consider, and to plan. Its voice reminds me JUSTIN TUNSTALL (patronisingly, I feel) that getting three quotes is best practice for the refurb and goes on, “What if…?” It’s not necessarily a negative or pessimistic question. Considering how we might continue to ride a new wave of success is as vital as having a fallback plan if turnover is less than expected. Like sports team managers, small business owners need to know what substitutions they will make in case a cheese, wholesaler, producer or staff member isn’t available, and also where they can find more space, stock, staff and working capital if things take off. Should lockdown return at some stage in the future, and the crowd isn’t coming past the door for a while, that voice encourages me to plan for it. Plan for it now, and not in a panic during a future Government briefing. Whatever happens, a large proportion of the British public will always want their cheese feast at Christmas. It’s our role to ensure that they’re not disappointed and that our businesses get some of the action. Best of luck to the two new cheese counters, and to the new mongers whose cutting and wrapping skills will be coming along in leaps and bounds as they help delight customers with the wonderful cheeses they’ve chosen to stock. Marketeer and Accountant can look on admiringly, knowing that whatever happens, there’s a plan for it. Snowdonia Cheese is extending its cheese offering with the launch of Truffle Trove™. Created with expertly graded and crafted Extra Mature Cheddar produced in North Wales, the cheese also features Black Summer truffles sourced from Award-winning producer adds truffle cheese to the range the Italian region of Marche. This luxurious combination, kept in white wax, delivers a balanced flavour with undertones of wild mushroom, earthy hazelnut and notes of garlic. The new cheese will be available from September.