Fears scheme to aid vulnerable farmers will mean less money

Mark Casci Agricultural Correspondent

A NEW Government-backed system designed to support some of the country’s most vulnerable farmers will actually cut incomes, say farming leaders.

The new payment system the Uplands Entry-Level Scheme (UELS), is designed to provide protection and reward for those who farm and maintain England’s uplands, such as the Yorkshire Dales.

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Many farming campaigners say, however, the new system will slash incomes and deter new entrants into farming as it fails to recognise the hundreds of farmers in Yorkshire who are operating on short-term rental contracts.

UELS payments will only be available to those who have “management control” of the same land for a period of at least five years and will exclude those on short-term agreements or where it is envisaged existing tenancy agreements will be ended by 2015.

The Tenant Farmers Association estimates this will affect as many as 600 farmers in Yorkshire alone and more than 1,000 nationally.

Its chief executive, George Dunn, said: “In view of the new eligibility criteria, some Hill Farm Allowance claimants who farm other people’s land will find themselves ineligible to enter UELS unless timely discussions are held between them and the owners of the land and practical solutions are found to alter land occupation arrangements or tenancy terms.

“However, time is short and action must be taken now.”

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Richard Betton, a hill farmer in Upper Teesdale and the National Farmers’ Union regional board chairman, said he had deep concerns about the effect this would have on the future of upland farming in England.

“At a time when the Government is questioning our food supply and food security I don’t think we should be pushed down the wrong route,” he said.

“It will deter new entrants, I have no doubt about it.”

He added that taking farmers off of the hills and allowing it to become a wilder landscape would expose areas like the North Yorkshire Moors to massive risks of wildfires.

The UELS scheme rewards farmers for looking after local wildlife, biodiversity and watercourses, and for maintaining traditional features of the landscape such as dry stone walls and stone-faced hedge banks. It will be funded by up to 31m from the Rural Development Programme which will be made available to fund all farmers who qualify for the scheme.

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Country Land and Business Association president William Worsley, who is a Yorkshire landowner, said: “I would encourage landowners, tenants, graziers and commoners to discuss their needs with each other and Natural England as soon as possible, so that the available funds go to those who deserve them.

“The CLA, through the Tenancy Reform Industry Group (TRIG) has engaged in sorting out the tenure problems arising from the change. A guidance note on this will be published later this week.”

The CLA has successfully lobbied for transitional arrangements for those who are still in previous schemes, so people will not be penalised for land which is unable to enter the new agreement.

Environment Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said: “The uplands reflect a fundamental aspect of the English countryside – its history, natural beauty, and a way of life – and the new scheme rewards farmers who care for and protect these iconic landscapes.

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“Uplands ELS will be available to all uplands farmers who make the commitment to protect wildlife, look after watercourses, and ensure that grazing helps the landscape, as well as looking after historic sites and dry-stone walls.”