Cumbrian farmers are set to play a leading role in shaping the future of England’s uplands, following the publication of a major government-backed review calling for a reset in how farming, nature and rural communities are supported.
The report, “Towards a Flourishing Uplands – Phase 1”, highlights the critical importance of areas like Cumbria for food production, landscape management and rural livelihoods – but concludes that current policies are too fragmented and often fail to work for the farmers on the ground.
Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister has said the findings must mark a turning point for hill farming in West Cumbria:
“Farming in Cumbria isn’t just an industry – it’s a way of life that underpins our communities, our landscapes and our local economy. This review is an important step in recognising that the current system isn’t delivering what farmers need.
“Too often, decisions are made nationally without fully understanding the realities facing hill farmers here – from rising costs and tight margins to the loss of vital local services.”
The review points to growing pressures on upland farms, including declining profitability, uncertainty around environmental schemes, and the erosion of rural infrastructure such as local abattoirs, livestock markets and veterinary services.
It also highlights the challenges facing the next generation of farmers, with barriers to entry and succession making it harder for young people to stay in the industry.
Crucially, the report calls for a move away from “one-size-fits-all” policy towards more locally designed solutions – giving farmers and communities a stronger voice in shaping the future of the uplands.
The review also stresses the need to move beyond the perceived conflict between farming and nature, recognising that many upland farmers are already delivering environmental benefits alongside food production.
Cumbria will be among the areas involved in developing new approaches, offering farmers the opportunity to help design systems that reflect the realities of upland farming, thanks to the Uplands Transformation Pilot secured by Josh and Cumbria’s other MPs.
Josh added:
“This is about putting farmers back in the driving seat. Those who know the land best must have a bigger say in how it’s managed and supported.
“We need policies that back profitable farming, strengthen local supply chains and properly reward the work farmers do to protect and enhance our environment.”
“Our farmers are already doing the right thing – looking after the land while producing high-quality food. The challenge now is to make sure the system supports them to keep doing that, not makes it harder.
“If we get this right, we can secure a future where farming thrives, nature recovers and rural communities like ours remain strong.”
Further details on how Cumbria will be involved in the next phase of the uplands programme are expected in the coming months.
Josh MacAlister MP 