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Tree planting and rewilding are driving an increase in dispersals of hill flocks, according to Longtown auctioneer John Walton.

Moorland payments for 2022 under Defra’s Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) have been increased by 60 per cent, following significant pressure from industry.

Industry leaders have hit back after Defra Secretary George Eustice suggested concerns about the future of the uplands were ‘unjustified’.

Industry leaders have hit back after Defra Secretary George Eustice suggested concerns about the future of the uplands were unjustified.

The NFU has urged the Government to set out a long-term vision for the future of upland farming in England, amid concerns the sector will face an ‘income crisis’ due to the loss of direct support.

MPs on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee have warned farmers are at risk of going bust during a ‘haphazard’ transition away from the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).

The upland livestock sector in England is facing potential collapse unless Defras post-Brexit schemes replace the funding lost by direct support cuts, an industry leader has warned.

The upland livestock sector in England is facing potential ‘collapse’ unless Defra’s post-Brexit schemes replace the funding lost by direct support cuts, an industry leader has warned.

The Foundation for Common Land (FCL) has highlighted ongoing concerns about the viability of upland farmers and commoners during the transition away from direct support in England.

Defra’s new Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme must stop the uplands from being destocked and wilded by stealth, says Phil Stocker, chief executive of the National Sheep Association.