Defra urged to back moorland farmers

The CLA has stressed its support for boosting payments under CAP reform on land areas designated as moorland.

The organisation said taking a small percentage from the amounts paid to farmers in Severely Disadvantaged Areas and in the lowlands would allow an increase in the rates paid to moorland farmers.

CLA Deputy President Ross Murray said: “We believe this is vital to make up for the loss of Upland Entry Level Stewardship to allow moorland farm businesses to remain viable.

“For many generations, the fragile nature of moorland farming has been recognised through the payment of additional support - and rightly so. Moorland businesses underpin the rural economy, environment and communities in these areas.

“The majority of our farming members who do not suffer the hardship of farming at altitude understand the need to help their counterparts up on the moorlands.”


Mr Murray added: “If we pull the rug from under the feet of moorland farmers, we face the huge question of who will look after these beautiful landscapes which currently bring many millions of pounds to these areas through tourism.

“We are glad our view is backed by the Commons’ Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee.”