Farming in the Uplands - ARCHIVE: Defra

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Ev 94 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee: Evidence Supplementary written submission from the Commission for Rural Communities The CRC has now had the chance to review your questions and the following is our best response. CAP regime should be better targeted towards upland farmers because of the critical importance of the public goods that they supply to the rest of the nation. As shown in our report, the economic viability of upland farmers is not sustainable (and is even diYcult with diversification). The benefits enjoyed by the nation from the eVorts of upland farmers can only be continued if they are properly rewarded for the environmental, social and cultural benefits which they supply. In lowland areas, where there is a viable economic market, such benefits may well be supplied through better targeted regulation—but this is not an option for upland farms. Therefore, while controversial we advocate that CAP funding should be “moved up the hill”. The IEEP report (below) shows how other countries pay higher rates per ha than we do—especially Austria, Belgium and Malta. The IEEP report on the diVerent ways in which LFA payments are calculated in diVerent member states is from the LFA evaluation IEEP carried out in 2005–06. There is a chapter on payments which can be found at: http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/eval/reports/lfa/index en.htm Assuming we continue for the foreseeable future with a CAP with 2 Pillars: there will need to be a more equitable formula for distributing the income support payment through Pillar 1 (ie payment based predominantly on land area is inequitable as areas of greatest natural constraints are dominated by smaller, often family-run farms); and Pillar 2 measures must be delivered through an integrated strategic framework with rural communities truly empowered to prioritise and innovate as a consequence of reduced regulation and red tape currently associated with the RDPE. Incentives should target areas of greatest potential for a range of public benefits, recognising that biodiversity goals cannot be achieved without viable communities. There are top slicing opportunities within Article 38, which other countries have also adopted—however we did not look at this in any detail. Communication of any change to CAP funding remains a critical issue—being able to have material and support which is easily accessible (ie not a pure IT/Broadband solution) and speaks the right language with credibility is crucial to take up and eVective targeting. Use of networks, advice and access centre should be carefully considered. On your specific LFA questions we have no more to say—I am afraid we have not looked at the biophysical LFA indicators and their eVect on categorisation nor whether LFA payments encourage or discourage innovation. In terms of research outcomes and good practice availability—there are three main issues: 1. Current research—Dr Burgess mentioned the research of Nottingham University and carbon capacity. This was one of many Universities who have received research grants to consider carbon implications—and from diVerent Government Departments. As we say in our report we would strongly support a much more co-ordinated approach to this investment in research (not just in carbon, but in other key issues), across government departments—so that DECC, Natural England and Defra could target limited resources much more eVectively. 2. We also state that there is a need to combine the academic and expert knowledge with local wisdom and knowledge—this can be done eVectively at the local level and we draw attention to some of these good examples within our report—but it takes time and eVort (and investment!) 3. Upland farming techniques, research and development have not had the same level of attention or investment as other farming—we would welcome the idea of a college or university (preferably in an upland area) being supported (maybe by some private /land owner investment) to establish an “uplands chair” so establishing a figure head for the revitalisation and recognition of the importance of upland farming. We also envisage that this could encourage more young people into upland farming as a valued profession/specialism and so help to overcome some of the thorny issues of succession. I am also afraid that I have been unable to track down the report on housing within National Parks—so I am unable to send you a copy. November 2010 EMBARGOED ADVANCE COPY: Not to be published in full, or part, in any form before 00.01am GMT Wednesday 16 February 2011 Printed in the United Kingdom by The Stationery Office Limited 02/2011 006304 19585
EMBARGOED ADVANCE COPY: Not to be published in full, or part, in any form before 00.01am GMT Wednesday 16 February 2011
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5 Upland communities EMBARGOED ADVA
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Tom Blenkinsop Richard Drax George
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walked they ain’t coming back, be
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great, but there is the wider issue
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to engage in a conversation with th
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Farming in the Uplands - ARCHIVE: Defra

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