Improvements to farming schemes for upland farmers

DEFRA recently announced changes that are being made, following feedback from upland farmers and industry representatives, to make their schemes even more accessible to upland farmers. DEFRA are:

• making payment rates in environmental land management schemes equal for both upland and lowland farms where they are carrying out the same actions - this means increased rates for upland farmers in four Countryside Stewardship options

• reviewing and amending a further seven Countryside Stewardship options to make them more accessible to upland farmers

• improving engagement with upland farmers with focused advice and support to help them access schemes

Read further details here and take a look at the new upland specific leaflet.