Speaking in support of uplands farmers within Burnley and Padiham local MP Antony Higginbotham queried the Minister for Food, Farming and Fisheries on the support available to local farmers.
Raising the issue in the Parliament Antony Higginbotham MP said:
Upland farmers across Burnley and Padiham, indeed right across Lancashire play a huge role in keeping us fed and enhancing the local environment. And that's why it's so important we support them.
So could I ask my friend how recent announcements will improve support for upland farmers specifically, and will he reaffirm the commitment made by my right honourable friend the Secretary of State in May that we will move beyond income forgone calculations when designing support schemes?
Responding the Minister of State for Food, Farming and Fisheries Mark Spencer said:
Can I join him in paying tribute to Lancashire farmers and the efforts they make in keeping us all well-fed. We are of course committed to ensuring that payment rates mean as many farmers as possible can benefit from our offers.
We've recently increased payment rates for upland farmers through Countryside Stewardship. Plus, we'll pay farmers extra for coordinating their action and working with their neighbouring farms and landowners to support climate change, as well as nature gains and keeping us all well fed.
Commenting after the debate Antony Higginbotham MP said:
Our local farmers not only produce top quality food but also play a pivotal role in maintaining our beautiful countryside.
That’s why today I raised upland farming. Because whilst the intricate details of the schemes in place to help them aren’t known to most, it’s vital that we do everything we can to support them.
For us here in Burnley and Padiham, that means recognising the contributions of upland farms like the Atkinsons at Sweetwell House Farm, the Westall’s at Boulsworth End Farm or the Whittle’s at Cow Side Farm amongst others.
