Here in Cumbria, we are home our upland landscapes are among the most stunning in the whole of the UK. Many of our businesses, from tourism and adventurous activities to farming and forestry are linked to our uplands. Even if your livelihood isn’t dependent on the backdrop of our mountains and lakes then many of us live here so that we can enjoy our free time walking, biking, and swimming, while all of us are passionate about our area’s nature and heritage.

In Cumbria we rely on over 1,000 upland farms to steward our lands, managing the uplands for multiple outcomes. Although the farmers sell their produce for ‘cash’, there is no market for other products such as carbon storage, protecting nature, providing access to the countryside, or maintaining animal welfare. Because of this, upland farmers rely on government payments to ensure the land is managed in everyone’s best interests. 

Brexit has caused costs for farmers to skyrocket

Since Brexit changes to farming support have put many of our upland farms at risk. The current Basic Payment System (BPS) is being phased out and has not yet been replaced by an adequate new system.  

I was quoted in the Guardian newspaper recently calling out the irresponsibility of the Tories. This government has refused to publish their economic impact analysis of new policies on upland farmers. The Conservatives are offering jam tomorrow, but this is no use to cash strapped businesses.

In a recent survey I sent out to all the farmers in Penrith and Solway constituency, the majority claimed that the big issue in farming was the removal of the BPS and the uncertainty of the new schemes. I also asked all farmers to score how well the government was listening to them out of 5, with 0 being not listening at all and 5 being doing all they can. Nearly 40% of respondents gave a score of 0 and with less than 10% of respondents giving a score above 3 out of 5. Some even added that the government are acting as if they don’t want farmers.

We need a sustainable strategy for upland farming

The cost of managing the 70% of the UK’s landmass takes up a fraction of the taxpayers’ budget, however the government has been severely lacking when it comes to a sustainable, long-term plan for our upland farmers.

I recently appeared on Look Northwest to discuss this issue surrounding the government’s inadequate policies towards farming and how many farmers across the county are left in dire straits by their incompetence. (See video above)

If elected, we the Liberal Democrats, will make farming a priority by providing sufficient funding and a long-term, detailed strategy for managing our uplands. How Cumbria’s commons, moors and valleys are managed is in everyone’s interests. The LibDems are the only party that has committed an extra £1 billion for the farming budget – a 33% increase

Link to Guardian Article https://www.theguardian.com/upland-farms