South farmers meet Farming Minister to discuss the future of Dartmoor
Farming Minister Stephen Morgan on a farm tour where NFU members and upland farmers Neil and Mat Cole demonstrated the importance of accurate land management.
NFU members from across Dartmoor met the Farming Minister to showcase the value of upland farming and press for policies that support viable farming businesses, thriving rural communities and sustainable moorland management.
NFU members whose livestock graze on Dartmoor have highlighted their valuable work producing food and managing the countryside when they held talks with the Farming Minister.
Around 60 farmers from across Dartmoor gathered yesterday (21 September) at the Two Bridges Hotel near Princetown to debate the issues surrounding how the moor is managed, with a panel including the farming minister, Stephen Morgan MP.
There are around 780 commercial agricultural holdings on Dartmoor, with an estimated 200 farming businesses responsible for the majority of agricultural production and land management.
“Across the upland landscape we need to see the Government recognising the full value of economy, environment and the food production that we see from these landscapes, so they can continue to deliver for the long term and provide a viable opportunity for the young people that so want to farm here.”
NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt
Frustrations over stocking densities
Mr Morgan was visiting the moor following an invitation from Torridge and Tavistock MP Sir Geoffrey Cox. Sir Geoffrey chaired the meeting, which was organised in conjunction with the NFU.
The panel included NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt, along with Phil Stocker, chair of the Dartmoor LUMG (Land Use Management Group), and Dave Slater, Natural England regional director for the South West.
The LUMG was set up following the publication of the Fursdon Report into the management of the moors. It was commissioned after farmers expressed frustration with Natural England’s plans to reduce stocking densities on the moor.
Mr Stocker told the meeting that after a slow start – partly due to funding for its secretariat being withdrawn – the LUMG had begun its work and was gathering data about grazing on the moor. He was hopeful that grazing trials currently taking place would be extended.
Continued frustration about NE’s approach was evident during the meeting, with several farmers telling the panel they had received letters from NE which said they would have to reduce the amount of stock so much their farms would no longer be viable.
During a farm tour before the meeting, NFU members and upland farmers Neil and Mat Cole showed the minister the livestock at Prison Farm and a part of the high moor near Princetown which has been overgrown by Molinia (moor grass).
Flexibility is key
Mat Cole, who is chair of the NFU’s South uplands group, said the Molinia growth showed what would happen if the moor was not managed correctly.
“What we need are the right animals grazing in the right places at the right time and we must have the flexibility we need to make sure that can happen,” he said.
“Upland farmers here in the South face unique challenges of farming in a remote and demanding environment.
“Despite this, upland farmers on Dartmoor continue to lead in environmental delivery, food production, and landscape stewardship.
“These family-run businesses are at the heart of vibrant rural communities, supporting our national food security, biodiversity, and cultural heritage through generations of sustainable land management.
“I think it’s really important that we get that across to policymakers and this is why we launched the NFU’s uplands vision in the South 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.
“Dartmoor's farmers face unique challenges but share the same commitment as farmers across the South to deliver more for our national food security and cherished landscapes.”
“Upland farmers on Dartmoor continue to lead in environmental delivery, food production, and landscape stewardship.”
NFU’s South Uplands Group Chair Mat Cole
Recognising the value of the uplands
NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt, who farms on the Isle of Wight, said: “It’s been a fantastic opportunity to get the minister in front of members so that they can explain to him what they are delivering for the environment and how they are farming in this very special and unique landscape.
“Across the upland landscape we need to see the government recognising the full value of economy, environment and the food production that we see from these landscapes, so they can continue to deliver for the long term and provide a viable opportunity for the young people that so want to farm here.”
The minister thanked everyone for attending the meetings and said he would ask his officials to make sure that farmers concerns were taken into account.
