Revised rates of hill farm allowance for 2008

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) today announced a six per cent increase on Hill Farm Allowance (HFA) payment rates compared to 2007. The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) will start making the 2008 payments this month.

The HFA provides dedicated support to beef and sheep producers who farm land in England's Severely Disadvantaged Areas (SDA). It also aims to contribute to the maintenance of the social fabric in upland communities through support for continued agricultural land use.

Jeff Rooker, Minister for Sustainable Food and Farming and Animal Health, said:

"This is good news for hill farmers in Severely Disadvantaged Areas and reinforces our commitment to recognising the vital role that they play in delivering the landscape and environmental benefits for England's uplands."

The payment rates for 2008 are as follows:-

Severely Disadvantaged Land (other than moorland

or common land)

0-350 £37.31

350-700 £18.655

Severely Disadvantaged Moorland & Common Land

0-350 £14.12

350-700 £7.06