6 Conclusion
117. The Commission for Rural Communities has
provided Defra with a comprehensive report that emphasises both
the special nature of the uplands and their potential to develop
in the future. Our report has focussed on issues around hill farming,
but in the uplands farming cannot be seen in isolation. Agriculture
has shaped the uplands landscape over the centuries and its contribution
to the cohesion and character of upland communities should not
be underestimated.
118. In this report we have
highlighted issues raised by the Commission for Rural Communities
in High ground, high potential that we consider
require particular attention. Defra will shortly be producing
its uplands strategy. Defra must decide whether farming is to
be maintained as the central activity of uplands communities,
and if so, explain how this will be achieved. As several witnesses
have said there is now a need for action; we have therefore recommended
that Defra produce an action plan setting out the Government's
objectives, how it will achieve those objectives, the resources
available and the timetable for implementation.
119. As farming is central to
the uplands, the Common Agricultural Policy is central to the
prospects for upland farmers. This Committee is currently considering
the European Commission's proposals for reforming the CAP. In
our deliberations on the proposals we have been mindful of the
variety of agriculture within the UK—we trust the Government
is similarly aware of the needs of all parts of UK agriculture
and particularly the uplands.
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