MP – Payments uncertainty could see the end of the family farm

The Government's failure to assure hill farmers that they will receive vital support in the future could see the end of the family farm, local MP Tim Farron will say at a meeting of local farmers this weekend.

Earlier this month the Government announced it would only commit to making payments to farmers for the next four years - with no clarity that there will be specific support for hill farmers.

Tim is pushing the DEFRA Secretary Michael Gove to announce a new scheme that will back farmers in upland areas such as Cumbria.

In a discussion around the future of upland farming at the Penrith Auction Mart this Sunday, Tim will say: "Upland farmers make the Lake District what it is, but the Government continue to take them for granted.

"It's time to listen to them and back them."

The 'Future of Farming Discussion Forum', which is hosted by the three breed societies for Herdwicks, Swaledale and Rough Fells, takes place from 11am Sunday at Penrith Auction Mart.