Farming representatives from across the UK have highlighted the vital contribution upland farms make to food production, the environment and rural communities, as the NFU urges farmers to share their experiences through its uplands survey.
NFU North Uplands Group Chair Dave Stanners, who farms in Northumberland, and NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt, who farms on the Isle of Wight, attended the summit and highlighted the issues that uplands farmers in the North face in their work to keep the nation fed.
They were joined at the event by representatives from NFU Cymru, NFU Scotland and the Ulster Farmers’ Union to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing upland farming across the UK.
The summit, held at Eryri National Park, North Wales, saw the delegates from the North share concerns and consider wider issues across the four nations, as well as differences in devolved agricultural policy.
Farmers highlighted the support needed to secure a viable future for upland farming following a particularly challenging summer for hill farming communities, marked by prolonged drought and large-scale wildfires.
Upland farmers across the North and wider country have been working closely with the fire service battling wildfires throughout the summer.
All representatives at the event agreed that active farmers and their livestock can play an important role in managing vegetation, reducing fuel loads and delivering benefits for the environment and local communities.
Unique challenges
NFU North Uplands Group Chair Dave Stanners said: “Upland farmers across the North face unique challenges working in some of the most remote and demanding landscapes in the country.
“Despite these challenges, they continue to play a leading role in producing high-quality food, enhancing the environment and caring for some of our most iconic landscapes.
“These family-run farms are the backbone of vibrant rural communities, supporting food security, boosting biodiversity and safeguarding generations of cultural heritage through 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 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 and deliver even more for our national food security and cherished landscapes.”
Take part in the NFU's uplands survey
The NFU has launched a new survey to gather upland farmers’ views on the challenges and opportunities they are facing.
Encouraging members to share the issues affecting their farms and businesses, NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt said: “Upland farmers play a vital role in producing the nation’s food, managing some of our most iconic landscapes and supporting rural communities.
“As the industry continues to face huge challenges and an immediate crisis in cashflow and confidence, it is important that the voices of upland farmers are heard loud and clear.
“That’s why we are encouraging farmers to take part in the NFU’s uplands survey. Whether your concerns relate to farm profitability, environmental schemes, food production, succession, or wider policy changes, we want to understand the issues that matter most to your business.
“The feedback we receive will help inform our policy work and strengthen the case we make on behalf of upland farmers. I would urge anyone involved in upland farming to take a few minutes to complete the survey and ensure their experiences and challenges are represented.”
The survey closes on 26 October.