To help better represent our uplands members across the country, the NFU has created two new members groups: Uplands North and Uplands South.
The groups meet quarterly and when issues arise regarding uplands farming.
The North and South Uplands chairs sit on the NFU Livestock Board, helping to ensure uplands farming feeds into national and regional policy.
Environment
The groups will continue to work closely with the government to ensure uplands farmers can access ELMs (Environmental Land Management schemes).
ELMs must have options for all farming businesses, and these must be accessible regardless of farm type or length of tenure.
There must be viable and financially attractive SFI options for upland farmers.
Fair reward
There must be proper reward for those undertaking work for the environment, especially as they are delivering the government's own targets.
To support this, the groups are asking for a better understanding and process of monitoring and assessing protected sites that works for both the farmers and regulators.
Culture and heritage
Government needs to thoroughly understand the potential cultural, economic, environmental and social impact that changing farming policy will have.
There needs to be a better understanding and process of monitoring and assessing protected sites that works for both the farmers and regulators.
Upland farmers play a crucial role in supporting the economic and social prosperity of rural communities, and this must be valued.
Planning
Planning policy should support business development and diversification so that food production can be maintained.
This must recognise and alleviate growing restrictions and setbacks for planning, allowing businesses to grow while supporting the environment.
Building relationships
The groups want to see greater recognition for the relationship's uplands farmer's build with a range of stakeholders, to ensure a shared and fair vision for the landscape they farm.
