They were joined 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 South share their 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.
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.
Mat Cole, who farms on Dartmoor, said: “Upland farmers here in the South face unique challenges of farming in a remote and demanding environment.
“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 and deliver even more for our national food security and cherished landscapes.”