Champion of upland farming

A NEW GROUP to develop policy on upland farming issues has been established by the NFU.

The group will focus on the implications of CAP reform and EU proposals for rural development regulation.

It will be made up of representatives from each region with an upland farming interest. The group will be chaired by the union’s less favoured area spokesman Will Cockbain.

new policy

Mr Cockbain said there were important issues on the horizon, including the development of a successor scheme to the Hill Farm Allowance and the negotiation of reforms coming out of the EU.

“Upland farmers face significant changes in the next few years,” said Mr Cockbain. “It’s important that we develop policy that will help us maintain production in these important areas,” he said.

“A sustainable upland environment and a desirable landscape can only be secured if we have a viable farming sector to deliver it.

“I look forward to chairing the group and presenting some positive policy proposals,” added Mr Cockbain.