The Social Field: Look to the Hills

Look to the Hills

by Markus Aranko

Possibilities for the future

With the PDLMI, the actual business of farming would be left almost totally in the hands of the market, a place it hasn't occupied for a long time. While this would improve the perception of agriculture in the public eye, it means a considerable mindshift for people who are used to ‘farming to policy’. Some farmers stand to lose if the existing funding criteria, that their farms are geared towards, are thrown away. That is why the current scheme is a voluntary one, since its only goal is to experiment on an idea to see if it can be done. There are no guarantees.

[click to hear Ken Parker on what the future for Peaks farmers might be]

There is interest in the project all the way from ministerial level, but its truly radical approach means that it is by no means sure that there will be total support. That is why Mr. Parker makes it clear that this is a pilot scheme, to allow future development to be better informed of options, and allow the farmers themselves to shape what they want their lives, and the lives of their descendants, to be.


	MAIN PAGE Related links: PDNPA Countryside Agency DEFRA NFU The Social Field: Water Woes Farmers and Flooding in Britain Rural Meltdown? Fighting Urban Colonialism The Countryside Alliance Look to the Hills	Look to the Hills by Markus Aranko Possibilities for the future With the PDLMI, the actual business of farming would be left almost totally in the hands of the market, a place it hasn't occupied for a long time. While this would improve the perception of agriculture in the public eye, it means a considerable mindshift for people who are used to ‘farming to policy’. Some farmers stand to lose if the existing funding criteria, that their farms are geared towards, are thrown away. That is why the current scheme is a voluntary one, since its only goal is to experiment on an idea to see if it can be done. There are no guarantees. [click to hear Ken Parker on what the future for Peaks farmers might be] There is interest in the project all the way from ministerial level, but its truly radical approach means that it is by no means sure that there will be total support. That is why Mr. Parker makes it clear that this is a pilot scheme, to allow future development to be better informed of options, and allow the farmers themselves to shape what they want their lives, and the lives of their descendants, to be. Look to the Hills Need for change Workings of the scheme Viewing the future