FARMERS CRITICAL TO CLIMATE CHANGE FIGHT.

Cumbrian MP Tim Farron has highlighted the critical role of farmers in the fight against climate change in a debate in the House of Commons last week. Given their role in this fight, he argued for changes to the 'Environmental Land Management Scheme' (ELMS) to improve the pay for upland farmers.

Speaking in Westminster Hall, Tim said: "Our uplands are critical. While I support the principles underlining the environmental land management schemes and the transition payment for farmers, I think the ELMS at the moment have badly let the uplands down."

Tim went on to highlight the poor quality of the current ELMS structure. Especially, when upland farmers are farming sustainably and are on the forefront of the fight against climate change. The payment scheme has been reduced from £240 per hectare for upland farmers down to £98 - a decrease of almost 60%. He concluded his speech by urging the Minister to correct the scheme to stop penalising farmers in the uplands.

Responding, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, Trudy Harrison said: "It will come as no surprise to the hon. Member that I am challenging how we best support our upland farmers... The hon. Member can be assured that I will continue to champion farmers while also reviewing policy. While the environment is important, farmers also need to be able to thrive and survive."

Speaking afterwards, Tim said: "Unless the Government improves the payments for upland farmers then many will go out of business, and the treasured landscapes of the Lakes and the Dales will be changed for the worse, and our fight against climate change will be hampered."