FARMERS are being encouraged to take some time away from lambing to responds to a government consultation on their industry's future.

The Yorkshire Dales Nation Park Authority are highlighting the importance in particular of voicing opinions on the proposed scrapping of Direct Payments (BPS) post-Brexit in favour of payments in return for conservation work.

The pioneering ‘payment by results’ pilot scheme in Wensleydale is featured as a case study, however the consultation will enable farmers to have a say in how and when the transition is made.

"The consultation paper outlines a post-Brexit farming policy for England and there is much to be commended in it. It is very encouraging that it uses the Wensleydale pilot as a case study to illustrate what future farm payment schemes could look like," said YDNPA chairman Carl Lis.

"The paper clearly says that Direct Payments are not going to be switched off overnight – which will come as a relief to many. It models scenarios for the payments to be phased out over 5, 7 or ten years, so it could be towards the end of the next decade before they disappear entirely.

"It is in farmers’ interests to join in the consultation and give their view on how Direct Payments should end and over how many years."

Upland farmers are being encouraged to take part in particular, as Direct Payments make up a large proportion of their profits.

Mr Lis added: "The paper is also clear in recognising that the uplands may find it more difficult than others to adapt.

"But it highlights the potential for upland farm businesses to benefit from new environmental land management schemes, given the nature of the landscapes and the many public goods that they deliver, such as biodiversity and flood risk mitigation.

“One of the vital questions the paper asks is how farming, land management and rural communities in the uplands should continue to be supported. It’s important that we seize this opportunity to make the voices of local farmers and communities heard."

The consultation closes on 8 May.