Farmers unite to call for greater funding to preserve landscapes

Environment Secretary Owen Paterson is expected to finalise his plans for implementing a revised policy for distributing subsidies to farmers under the Common Agricultural Policy within weeks.

Political agreement on the framework of the reformed policy was reached at EU level earlier this year but Mr Paterson must decide how much funding to allocate to agri-environment schemes, which fund farmers to manage their farms in environmentally-friendly ways. Mr Paterson can transfer up to 15 per cent of the money the Government receives from the EU for direct subsidies to rural development schemes.

Rural campaigners at the Wildlife Trusts, RSPB, National Trust and Conservation Grade organised yesterday’s lobby in the capital and believe wildlife schemes are vital for competitiveness, the long-term viability of the sector and the vitality of rural communities.

Livestock farmer, Chris Clarke of Nethergill Farm, Upper Wharfedale, was due to meet Skipton and Ripon’s Conservative MP Julian Smith at the event. Mr Clarke has used rural development funding to develop a hybrid ‘farm reserve’ with extra woodland and a field centre and accommodation for hosting educational visits.

Terry Smithson, director of operations at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said: “We know how important it is for those farmers who make a long-term commitment to delivering effective schemes to receive appropriate financial support. Agri-environment schemes play a crucial role in shaping the landscapes that underpin rural economies and communities.

“Nethergill Farm is a prime example, running not only a sustainable farm, but helping develop the local economy through nature tourism. Farms, like Nethergill and Appleton Mill Farm in the North York Moors where we work with owner Jonathan Allison, also provide a number of jobs.

“We believe that the public appreciate the wider benefits of agri-environment schemes, and therefore hope that the Government will put public funding in place to support those farmers who do the most for the environment.”