SWUF’s response to Defra’s consultation on the proposed boundaries to the Areas of Natural Constraint
The South West Uplands federation is grateful for the opportunity to respond to the consultation. South West Uplands Federation (SWUF) is a farmer led initiative representing hill farmers from Bodmin Moor, Dartmoor and Exmoor. Our members are passionate about the uplands and wish to see their management of these national and internationally important Protected Landscapes continue.
SWUF: Position statement on CAP reform proposals, February 2013
Hill farming, especially in the South West uplands, remains marginal but continues to be the only means that an impressive array of public benefits (including ecosystem services) are maintained and managed (Ref.1). Some of the proposed changes to CAP provide an opportunity to make hill farming sustainable and financially viable, thereby safeguarding the future for those public benefits.
The Government’s review of upland policy in 2011 reiterated the Coalition promise to support upland farmers. The review has four themes; supporting hill farmers, delivering public goods, supporting upland communities and driving (and monitoring) change. Now is the time to deliver on these themes.
Letter from SOUTH WEST UPLANDS FEDERATION
29 January 2013
Dear Mr Cross
Proposed changes to removing the grazing option from Approved Finishing Units
I write on behalf of the South West Uplands Federation to express our concern over the proposal to remove the grazing option from AFUs. Such a move would have significant implications for hill farming, a farming system that is already marginal and at risk. It may well , encourage a move away from traditional livestock and negate many of the objectives of the agri-environment schemes that are prevalent in the uplands.