Hill Farm Allowances are to go up by 6% when the Rural Payments Agency starts making 2008 payments later this month.

The HFA provides dedicated support to beef and sheep producers in England’s Severely Disadvantaged Areas, “helping maintain the social fabric of upland communities through continued agricultural land use”, according to a DEFRA statement.

“This is good news for hill farmers in Severely Disadvantaged Areas and reinforces our commitment to recognising the vital role they play in delivering the landscape and environmental benefits for England’s uplands,” said junior DEFRA minister Jeff Rooker.

Farmers on Severely Disadvantaged land, other than moorland or common land, will get £37.31/ha between 1ha and 350ha, and £18.66/ha from 350ha to 700ha.

Farmers on Severely Disadvantaged moorland and common land will get £14.12/ha between 1ha and 350ha, and £7.06/ha from 350ha to 700ha.

As of this year, Disadvantaged Area land, including DA moorland and common land, will no longer receive an HFA payment.

Liberal Democrat countryside spokesman Tim Farron welcomed the 6% increase, but said it was nowhere near enough.

“Hill farming delivers huge environmental benefits to upland areas, such as maintaining biodiversity, preserving land and maintaining the aesthetic beauty of our landscape,” he said. “The Liberal Democrats would review the level of the Hill Farming Allowance to recognise the valuable contribution that these farmers make to our countryside.”