County Council backs renewed support for Devon farmers hit by bluetongue

Devon County Council has agreed to reinstate its Rural Support and Wellbeing Programme, providing dedicated support for farmers facing the ongoing impacts of the 2026 bluetongue outbreak

The council’s Cabinet has approved plans for a new three-year programme, with up to £180,000 of funding, to help farming families access practical advice, wellbeing support and early intervention services as they continue to deal with the financial, emotional and animal welfare consequences of the disease.

The decision follows growing concern about the impact of Bluetongue Virus Serotype 3 (BTV-3) on Devon's farming community.

Since cases were first identified in the county earlier this year, farmers have reported livestock losses, rising veterinary costs, increased workloads and uncertainty over the longer-term effects on breeding and productivity.

The renewed programme will be delivered by the Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service and builds on a successful scheme that ran between 2022 and 2025.

Working with organisations including the Farming Community Network, RABI, Devon and Cornwall Police, the Fire Service, Samaritans and other support agencies, the programme will help connect farmers with advice, funding opportunities and wellbeing services.

The move follows a recommendation from the Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee, which unanimously backed the reinstatement of the programme.

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