Farming in the Uplands - ARCHIVE: Defra

6 Conclusion
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Farming in the Uplands 43
117. The Commission for Rural Communities has provided Defra with a comprehensive
report that emphasises both the special nature of the uplands and their potential to develop
in the future. Our report has focussed on issues around hill farming, but in the uplands
farming cannot be seen in isolation. Agriculture has shaped the uplands landscape over the
centuries and its contribution to the cohesion and character of upland communities should
not be underestimated.
118. In this report we have highlighted issues raised by the Commission for Rural
Communities in High ground, high potential that we consider require particular
attention. Defra will shortly be producing its uplands strategy. Defra must decide
whether farming is to be maintained as the central activity of uplands communities,
and if so, explain how this will be achieved. As several witnesses have said there is now a
need for action; we have therefore recommended that Defra produce an action plan
setting out the Government’s objectives, how it will achieve those objectives, the
resources available and the timetable for implementation.
119. As farming is central to the uplands, the Common Agricultural Policy is central to
the prospects for upland farmers. This Committee is currently considering the
European Commission’s proposals for reforming the CAP. In our deliberations on the
proposals we have been mindful of the variety of agriculture within the UK—we trust
the Government is similarly aware of the needs of all parts of UK agriculture and
particularly the uplands.