NSA welcomes update that will better support upland farmers
26th May 2023
The National Sheep Association (NSA) is pleased to see a meaningful update to the uplands offer under the Environmental Land Management (ELMS) scheme as the next in a series of steps it believes is required to enable uplands farmers to deliver high quality environmental outcomes.
NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says: “NSA is pleased to say that on this occasion the sector has been listened to, these uplifts in payments will be a welcome recognition for the significant landscape, environmental, biodiversity and food production that is attributed to the upland landscape across England. It is encouraging for all uplands farmer they are now on a level playing field when it comes to payment rates comparable to lowland farms.
“For example, farmers undertaking option such as GS2 and GS5 - low inputs on grasslands in upland areas, which previously had payment rates of £98 per hectare, will increase to £151 - the same payment farmers elsewhere receive. There is also significant uplift to the creation of upland wood pasture which will increase from £333 per hectare to £544 to align payments for upland and lowland farmers.”
The changes announced today (Friday 26th May) by the Secretary of State for Food and Farming, Therese Coffey, have followed direct feedback from the sector.
Mr Stocker continues: “Back at the beginning of 2022 the lack of a meaningful uplands option to the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) in England was apparent with many calling for recognition and appreciation of the upland landscapes of Britain, which, in England include; 53% of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and nine national parks. These changes have been long awaited and NSA has been in direct conversation with Defra along with extensive contact with our own working groups and farming members to ensure the upland sector received a meaningful contribution to the extensive public goods they provide.
“The changes will mean upland farmers can apply for 130 relevant actions under the Countryside Stewardship (CS) and the SFI from 2024. This will include new moorland and upland peat action, with considerably higher payments for moorlands in good environmental condition, extend Higher Level Stewardship agreements alongside CS agreements, apply for upland wildlife offers, and apply for Farming in Protected Landscapes funding. What is still needed is clear communication, and a platform that allows individual farmers to investigate the options available for their farms and quickly understand the financial impacts of taking up a variety of options. We understand this platform is planned to be available next year but it’s a crucial tool to allow farmers to plan.
“NSA is looking forward to continuing to work with Defra and the sheep industry to ensure a flourishing and productive sheep sector can thrive alongside an enhanced environment.
