Triumph for farming with all industry consensus

'It's rare for the farming industry to unite, but today, the industry speaks with one voice,' says Mark Hudson, President of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA). 'Nine organisations including the CLA have agreed on a farm payments model which we will present today to Secretary of State Margaret Beckett.'

The consensus on a three-region model for single farm payments rather than the two-region one proposed by Government was reached after three meetings and protracted deliberations between the nine farming groups.

The letter being sent to Margaret Beckett is signed by CLA President Mark Hudson and National Farmers Union President Tim Bennett, and is supported by the Tenant Farmers Association, National Sheep Association, National Beef Association, National Trust, Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers, Central Association of Agricultural Valuers and Dairy Industry Association Ltd.

The letter informs the Secretary of State that the industry has reached a 'broad consensus' on the three region model comprised of Severely Disadvantaged Areas (SDA) Moorland, Rest of SDA and Rest of England.

'Whilst each of us would probably have preferred a slightly different model,' continues the letter, the organisations agree that their solution 'would be an improvement on the two-region model.'

Mark Hudson continues: 'The three region model offers better protection for England's spectacular upland landscape. This system will help preserve the environment by continuing to encourage mixed grazing, which helps prevent the uplands from deteriorating into thistle and bracken.'

'Every organisation involved has accepted some sacrifice for the sake of farming's future, and our joint solution offers the best long term benefits for farming as a whole.'

24 March 2004