FARRON STANDS UP FOR TENANT FARMERS

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has called upon the Government to amend the new Uplands Entry Level Scheme (UELS) to include tenant farmers on short-term land agreements.

Only two thirds of farmers who received payments under the old scheme, the Hill Farm Allowance, are now receiving payments from the UELS. Many of the farmers losing out are on short-term land agreements, which are ineligible under the scheme.

Tim has tabled an Early Day Motion inWestminster, which calls on the Government to make the necessary changes to ensure that hill farmers on short-term land agreements are able to access the UELS.

Commenting, Tim said: "Upland farming plays a vital role to UK agriculture and the rural economy. Many local farmers are on low incomes, and the UELS provides them with much needed support. I want this support to be extended to tenant farmers on short-term land agreements as well."