Hill farming

**1. Location and Organization of Hill Farming:**
– Hill farming is practiced in the UK in upland regions.
– In England, hill farms are mainly located in the North and South-Western regions, and some areas bordering Wales.
– Scottish highlands are home to many hill farms, with sheep and mixed sheep and cattle farms covering about 55% of agricultural land.
– Upland areas are generally considered disadvantaged due to harsh climate, short growing seasons, and poor soil quality.
– Less Favoured Areas (LFA) in England constitute 17% of farmed land, with Severely Disadvantaged Areas (SDAs) and Disadvantaged Areas (DAs) making up the LFA.

**2. History and Evolution of Hill Farming:**
– Dartmoor National Park has prehistoric field systems dating back to 1500BC.
– Uplands in the UK have been grazed for 3500 years, shaping the environment and culture.
– Government designates valuable upland areas for environment, biodiversity, and cultural heritage protection.
– Increase in sheep livestock by approximately 500%.
– Shift towards large farm businesses and small-scale hobby farmers, leading to fewer medium-sized farms.

**3. Government Support and Subsidies for Hill Farming:**
– Hill farm incomes in the UK have decreased due to drops in lamb and beef prices.
– Subsidy support is essential for hill farm survival.
– The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has been a significant EU scheme supporting hill farming.
– Single Farm Payment replaced older headage payments in 2005 and aims to encourage reduction in stocking densities and farm labor.
– Various subsidy schemes like Uplands Entry Level Stewardship and Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowances support environmentally friendly practices.

**4. Challenges Faced by Hill Farmers:**
– Economic viability is a significant concern.
– Environmental sustainability is a challenge.
– Uncertainty in farm production decisions.
– Access to markets and resources is limited.
– Climate change impacts productivity.

**5. Importance and Sustainability of Hill Farming:**
– Contributes to landscape preservation.
– Supports biodiversity in upland areas.
– Plays a vital role in rural economies.
– Provides ecosystem services like flood management.
– Sustainability of hill farming depends on conservation practices, community involvement, and policies supporting sustainable farming practices.