Natural England - Uplands ELS, Hill Farm Allowance and the Uplands Transitional Payment
Uplands ELS, Hill Farm Allowance and the Uplands Transitional Payment
18 December 2008
The Environment Secretary Hilary Benn announced details of proposed measures for the uplands on 18 December, including the launch of Uplands ELS in 2010 and the continuation of the Hill Farm Allowance (HFA) for a further year, and an Uplands Transitional Payment for farmers whose classic scheme agreements are still live in 2011, dependent on their eligibility for HFA.
Uplands ELS is a new strand of Environmental Stewardship, designed specifically for upland farmers. It operates like ELS but enables farmers in the uplands to receive a higher payment in return for a greater commitment to simple, yet effective environmental management. Unlike the HFA – which excluded dairy farmers and those with very small holdings – Uplands ELS will be open to all farmers and land managers in England’s ‘Severely Disadvantaged Areas’ (SDAs), providing they meet the rules.
All details of Uplands ELS are subject to the approval of the European Commission. Details of the announcement can be found on the Defra website.