Our hill farmers get second-worst deal in EU Edward is campaigning for more fairness in the distribution of EU hill farm subsidies. Whitehall gives our upland farmers the second-lowest handout in the EU: "The way the British government distributes this subsidy does not take hardship into account" said Edward, from a farming background himself. The Hill Farming Allowance has been a direct payment to farmers because of the difficulties they face in farming in poor areas which can restrict their ability to be more productive. Part of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payments and administered by the British government, it is currently under review. The CAP itself is about to undergo a major scrutiny during 2008: "This will provide me with a real chance to get some sense into the most indefensible market-rigging - and help those really in need." says Edward. Background "UK uplands have been grazed by livestock for "In the second half of the last Century, changes in Source, The Future of Uplands, Leeds University 2007 |
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