Farron re-elected Chair of Parliamentary Hill Farming Group

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron, today was re-elected chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Hill Farming. The group also revealed plans to launch a survey to all of Britain's hill farmers, including hundreds in Cumbria, to review to recent changes in funding, which aimed to improve the quality of life for Hill Farmers across the South Lakes.

In the meeting, Tim expressed his intention to work with the Dept for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and National Farmers Union (NFU) to conduct a survey of Hill Farmers who have been directly affected by these funding changes, which were announced in March this year as part of the Uplands Policy Review. The survey is likely to take place later this year.

The Uplands Policy Review included a major boost in funding for the UELS (Upland Entry Level Scheme) and access to rural development grants for farmers from the uplands. Tim has been instrumental in pushing the government for increased support for South Lakes Hill Farmers, as well as helping to create a more sustainable future for upland farming in the Lake District.

Commenting, Tim said; "I am very pleased that the NFU and DEFRA have express willingness to assist in this survey to gather thoughts and concerns from local Hill Farmers, who are most affected by these government funding changes."

"I have always endeavoured to listen to our local farming community, which is an integral part of the tradition and beautiful environment of the Lake District. So, I'm incredibly pleased that the government and National Farmers Union are similarly keen to hear the ideas and concerns of our local farmers and take note of their thoughts to help evaluate and improve the current funding system."