NEWS RELEASE
Date: 7 February 2008
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Revised rates of Hill Farm Allowance for 2008
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) today announced a six per cent increase on Hill Farm Allowance (HFA) payment rates compared to 2007. The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) will start making the 2008 payments this month.
The HFA provides dedicated support to beef and sheep producers who farm land in England’s Severely Disadvantaged Areas (SDA). It also aims to contribute to the maintenance of the social fabric in upland communities through support for continued agricultural land use.
Jeff Rooker, Minister for Sustainable Food and Farming and Animal Health, said:
“This is good news for hill farmers in Severely Disadvantaged Areas and reinforces our commitment to recognising the vital role that they play in delivering the landscape and environmental benefits for England’s uplands.”
The payment rates for 2008 are as follows:
HFA |
Severely Disadvantaged Land |
Severely Disadvantaged Moorland & Common Land |
||
|
0-350 |
350-700 |
0-350 |
350-700 |
2008 Rates |
£37.31 |
£18.655 |
£14.12 |
£7.06 |
Notes to editors
As of this year, the HFA will only be paid on Severely Disadvantaged Land. Disadvantaged Area (DA) land (including DA Moorland and DA Common Land) will no longer receive an HFA payment.
The HFA is administered by the RPA on behalf of Defra as part of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE). The RDPE provides a framework of measures to safeguard and enhance our rural environment (with Environmental Stewardship at the heart of the Programme) and foster competitive and sustainable businesses and thriving rural communities.
Further details about HFA can be found at: www.defra.gov.uk/rural/uplands/support.htm
End
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Page published: 7 February 2008