Farm groups call for more Government support for upland farmers
Pasture for Life have signed a letter with other farm groups addressed to the farming Minister Mark Spencer MP regarding opportunities to support prosperity in upland areas. Other signatories include: the Sustain Alliance, Nature Friendly Farming Network, and the Tenant Farmers’ Association.
Lynbreck Croft in the Scottish Uplands
In the letter we highlight that a strategic approach would enable upland farms to deliver environmental, social, and local economic outcomes:
“There are wider tools that Defra should use to help upland farms be more economically resilient and viable.”
The main proposals for support are:
- Better access to independent business resilience advice
- Support local food supply
- Invest in agri-environment tourism
- Implement Rock Review recommendations
The letter calls for ‘targeted funding to help invest in enterprise, jobs and networks in upland areas’. This could be through Shared Prosperity Funding or development of a one-off targeted uplands resilience fund. This could enable upland farmers, and communities, to invest in local food, tourism, environmental projects, and enterprise that creates good jobs.
While issues remain around Environmental Land Management payments, the letter points out that Defra should explore other opportunities that would act as supportive measures around prosperity.
Download and read the signed letter
