Hill farmers call for support following challenging summer
Northern farmers have highlighted the support needed to secure a viable future for agriculture in upland areas following a particularly challenging summer for hill farming communities, marked by prolonged drought and large-scale wildfires.
Hill farmers from across the region have met with senior NFU leaders to discuss the key role they play in feeding the nation, the environment and rural communities, as the union urges farmers to share their experiences through its uplands survey.
NFU North Uplands Group Chair Dave Stanners and NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt attended the summit, which saw delegates share concerns and consider wider issues across the four nations, as well as differences in devolved agricultural policy.
Upland farmers across the North and wider county have been working closely with the fire service battling wildfires throughout the summer.
All representatives at the event agreed that active farmers and their livestock can play an important role in managing vegetation, reducing fuel loads and delivering benefits for the environment and local communities.
The summit follows the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee calling for evidence about the challenges facing upland farmers and land managers, and how the Government can best support them, underlining how upland areas such as the Yorkshire Dales “have been farmed for thousands of years and are often the foundation of local economies in these areas”.
The cross-party committee is examining how these contrasting land uses are co-existing, and at times competing, and how elements of upland life can be balanced with support from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
NFU North Uplands Group Chair Dave Stanners said: “Upland farmers across the North face unique challenges working in some of the most remote and demanding landscapes in the country.
“Despite these challenges, they continue to play a leading role in producing high-quality food, enhancing the environment and caring for some of our most iconic landscapes.
“These family-run farms are the backbone of vibrant rural communities, supporting food security, boosting biodiversity and safeguarding generations of cultural heritage through sustainable land management.
“I think it’s really important that we get that across to policy-makers and this is why we launched the NFU’s uplands vision last summer to help us to lay those foundations.
“While we work all year round to support the nation, I think that with continued public support and a viable Environmental Land Management offer which delivers for all upland farming businesses, moorlands and commons, we can build resilience within family-run businesses and deliver even more for our national food security and cherished landscapes.”
The NFU has launched a new survey to gather upland farmers’ views on the challenges and opportunities they are facing.
Encouraging members to share the issues affecting their farms and businesses, NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt said: “Upland farmers play a vital role in producing the nation’s food, managing some of our most iconic landscapes and supporting rural communities.
“As the industry continues to face huge challenges and an immediate crisis in cashflow and confidence, it is important that the voices of upland farmers are heard loud and clear.”