5:00pm Friday 19th February 2010
A new payment scheme for hill farmers who protect and look after the Yorkshire Dales has been launched.
The Uplands Entry Level Stewardship (Uplands ELS) scheme succeeds the Hill Farm Allowance (HFA) and is designed to support and reward farmers for looking after some of England’s most historic upland landscapes.
Hill farmers will be rewarded for looking after local wildlife, biodiversity and watercourses, and for maintaining traditional features of the landscape such as dry stone walls and stone-faced hedge banks.
Up to £31 million from the Rural Development Prog-ramme will fund all farmers who qualify.
Environment Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said: “The uplands reflect a fundamental aspect of the English countryside – its history, natural beauty and a way of life – the new scheme rewards farmers who care for and protect these iconic landscapes.”
Poul Christensen, chairman of Natural England, said: “Farmers are custodians of this cherished part of our landscape and have been for centuries. Uplands ELS will help them to continue their good work in the future, linking together food production and a healthy natural environment. Not only will it benefit farmers, it will enhance the upland environment both for wildlife and for the many people who rely on it for food, water, leisure and climate change adaptation.”
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) described the new scheme as a lifeline for struggling hill farms.
President William Worsley said: “With the demise of the Hill Farm Allowance, it was important a new scheme was up and running as soon as possible and I am pleased this has happened. I would encourage landowners, tenants, graziers and commoners to discuss their needs with each other and Natural England as soon as possible, so the available funds go to those who deserve them.”
Carole Hodgson, the CLA’s assistant regional director for the North, said: “Uplands ELS is a good start, but will not solve the wider economic and social issues in the hills.
“To this end we will, of course, continue to lobby on behalf of all land managers to make sure they are rewarded for environmental work that was previously an unpaid by-product of food production.”
Farmers can apply by requesting an application pack or visiting wholefarm. defra.gov.uk. The agreements begin on July 1 and farmers seeking this start date should apply by May 1.
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