Robin writes...
What a difference a year makes… or does it? Brexit uncertainty is still just that and the implementation of current schemes remains fraught with problems.
Uplands farmers faced complex issues in 2017 – the RPA delivery of BPS, including mapping and common land concerns, delays in HLS payments, animal movements to commons and the fiasco of Countryside Stewardship. It’s been a busy year for the forum and its excellent staff and a broad remit, with NFU input during meetings with Defra the principal representation for upland farmers.
We’ve taken every opportunity to meet those who may influence the future of the sector and make our case; those advocating rewilding (trees, beavers or lynx), the RSPB, the National Trust, the bog restoration brigade, water companies, the Uplands Alliance and many others.
Unlikely allies have sometime been found. A National Parks paper highlighted the value of farming and tourism groups have admitted their dependence on the farmed landscape they sell.
With Secretary of State Michael Gove apparently becoming greener by the day, meetings to make the case for realistic policy have highlighted the need to support the uplands.
Shaped by centuries of livestock farming, they provide unique landscapes and the quality foods. We should be proud – the return on public investment in social, cultural, environmental and economic terms is immense. Their ‘natural capital’ is unquestionably a public good worthy of support, and the NFU will continue to make a strong case for the uplands in 2018.
Finally, as my term as forum chairman comes to an end, a thank you to its members and staff for their support during the past six years. I wish the sector every future success.
- Content from the NFU's British Farmer & Grower members' magazine. Find out more about our award-winning publications here.
- Visit the NFUonline Hill Farming pages here.