UK growers urged to claim following environmental health scare

People who grow fruit and vegetables in the UK have been told they can claim compensation following a recent environmental health scare.

This relates to the E. coli outbreak in Germany, which has led to a selection of natural produce being removed from sale.

The EU has made €210 million (£187 million) available to farmers who have been adversely affected by the action.

Now, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has urged UK-based growers to apply for financial support before the deadline of June 30th 2011.

People who grow lettuce, tomatoes, endives, cucumbers, courgettes and sweet peppers who have seen their products taken off the shelves between June 18th and 30th could be applicable to receive some form of reimbursement.

Agriculture minister Jim Paice remarked: "British salad growers are facing a tough time through no fault of their own and I urge those affected to act quickly."

It had originally been thought that Spanish cucumbers had caused the recent E. coli outbreak that killed 14 people, but it has since been traced to a farm in Germany.

Posted by Lauren Steadman