Farron urges uplands farmers to make their voices heard in LFA review

Cumbrian MP Tim Farron is calling on hill farmers from across the Lake District to ensure they take part in the review of the Less Favoured Area (LFA) system of land classification to make sure their voices and priorities are listened to.

The review, which is being conducted by the European Commission, is taking place following the agreement in principle by the European Commission to replace the LFA system with Areas facing Natural Constraint (ANCs), in line with the 2014 CAP reform. Tim is urging farmers to have their say as the review could mean that existing LFAs lose their designation and in turn the additional LFA support, while areas currently not designated LFA could be subject to designation.

The National Farmers Union is reporting that Defra indication suggest there is like to be a small net increase in the area of land that could be designated as ANC compared to the current LFAs.

Commenting Tim said: "In light of the ongoing negotiations surrounding CAP reform and its implementation in 2014 it is essential that as many farmers as possible feed into this review to make sure they do not lose out. I have been lobbying our Minister in Westminster as well as the MEP in Brussels to try and get the best possible deal for the uplands in the new CAP, but it is absolutely essential that farmers make their voices heard too.

"This Defra consultation gives farmers the opportunity to get involved and help to protect their farms by ensuring they have the correct designation. Any errors could lead to problems receiving the proper payments our farmers deserve under the new CAP."