News • Sustainable Farming Campaign
Farm groups call for more Government support for upland farmers
The Sustain Alliance, Nature Friendly Farming Network, Pasture for Life, and Tenant Farmers' Association have written to farming Minister Mark Spencer MP regarding opportunities to support prosperity in upland communities.
The letter points out that a strategic approach would enable upland farms to deliver environmental, social, and local economic outcomes, and tells Minister Spencer:
"There are wider tools that Defra should use to help upland farms be more economically resilient and viable."
The main proposals for support are:
- Better access to independent business resilience advice
- Support local food supply
- Invest in agri-environment tourism
- Implement Rock Review recommendations
The letter calls for 'targeted funding to help invest in enterprise, jobs and
networks in upland areas'. This could be through Shared Prosperity Funding or development of a one-off targeted uplands resilience fund.
This could enable upland farmers, and communities, to invest in local food, tourism, environmental projects, and enterprise that creates good jobs.
While issues remain around Environmental Land Management payments, the letter highlights that Defra should explore other opportunities that would act as supportive measures around prosperity.
Download and read the signed letter
Published 25 Apr 2023
Sustainable Farming Campaign: Sustain encourages integration of sustainable food and farming into local, regional and national government policies.
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