Research probes role of upland farmers in sustaining rural communities

Farmers throughout the upland areas of Yorkshire, the North East and Northumberland are being asked to help the NFU paint an accurate picture of the role they play in supporting thriving rural communities.

In particular, the Union is seeking information on the extent to which farmers provide rural employment opportunities, support other rural businesses and provide community services such as snow clearance.

This information, says Senior Food and Farming Adviser James Ede, is vital to inform the debate currently underway on how to secure a long-term future for hill farmers across the UK.

“Recent reforms to the Common Agricultural Policy are presenting a real challenge to upland farmers who are already disadvantaged by their remote location, harsh climate and limited business opportunities,” he said.

“As a result the NFU is campaigning on their behalf to increase awareness of the vital role they play at the heart of the rural community.

“It’s widely recognised that their contribution is essential to maintain the landscape that’s so important to our tourist industry and of course they are an integral part of the UK’s livestock industry.

“But their role in supporting the rural community is less well defined and that’s why we have undertaken this research with an initial 100 farmers across the region.”

Anecdotal information is frequently used to demonstrate how farmers support a network of rural businesses that have developed to service the agricultural industry - everything from vets to machinery dealers.

It is also obvious that farming families form part of the rural workforce and despite a long term reduction in the number of farm workers, farms still provide some job opportunities.

The aim of the survey is to collect hard and fast data in this area and it is also possible the research will be repeated in other NFU regions to provide an invaluable database of information.

“The NFU’s national upland farming working group is focussed on achieving a future for our hill farmers,” added James Ede.

“We are working with numerous organisations across the region on this - from National Park Authorities to environmental groups - and everyone agrees that good, reliable and robust data is vital.

“For this reason we hope that as many farmers as possible take part in our survey.”

Anyone who has not received a copy of the questionnaire and who would like to take part should contact the NFU North East regional office on 01904 451550.