The hill farms task force report, commissioned by Mr Brown, proposed a hill environment land management payment to recognise the value of hill farms to environmental protection, maintenance of the countryside and rural communities. The proposals are likely to be central to the debate on the future of farming, and Britain's approach to the common agriculture policy following the election and the end of the foot and mouth outbreak. Ministers have already hinted at an inquiry into the future of farming following the election. There is likely to be a contest between those in government who favour bigger, more efficient farms and those who support grants to encourage environmental land management.
Ministers expect large numbers of older farmers to quit the land following the crisis.
We think there is an urgent need for action to sustain the landscape and wildlife which is now as valuable a product as the stock hill farmers traditionally produce. The hills task force was chaired by David Arnold-Forster from English Nature, and included members of the National Farmers' Union. Its report found most hill farmers, many hit by foot and mouth, were desperately short of cash, though nominally asset rich. Foot and mouth will tip more hill farmers over the brink. The proposed grants would be focused on issues such as animal density, the length of field boundaries and the cost of maintaining the landscape, including dry stone walls.