NFU calls for continued support for upland farmers have been heard after Defra announced a three-year roll over of the Hill Farm Allowance scheme today.
Secretary of State David Miliband made the announcement to integrate support for the uplands within Environmental Stewardship by replacing the HFA with an Upland Entry Level Scheme by 2010.
The announcement recognises the importance farmers play in hill farming and means they will continue to be rewarded for maintaining the upland landscape, as called for by NFU President Peter Kendall.
He said: “This statement recognises the need to roll over the existing HFA and also acknowledges the crucial role farmers play in the management of the uplands.
“The three-year roll over gives farmers some certainty for the immediate future and allows time to develop the scheme options. I would like to see future Upland ELS support going directly to farmers rather than to landlords and caters for short-term lets and common land.
“I said all along it was important to get this right, rather than get it soon and I feel ministers are listening to what is needed.
“This is a case where better regulation is being used to dovetail two previous provisions under HFA and LFA and the NFU is campaigning hard to ensure Defra replaces the HFA with a scheme fit for the purpose.”
No comments have been made.