WESTMORLAND and Lonsdale MP Tim Collins has joined the critical chorus against the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs over a lack of research into the impact of Common Agricultural Policy reforms.

In a parlimentary answer, Rural Affairs minister Alun Michael said he did not know what impact the introduction of the new Single Farm Payment from next year would have on livestock numbers in Cumbria.

"The impact of decoupling on production patterns and livestock numbers is very difficult to assess," he said. "There are several studies that examine this at the UK level but there are no assessments by county."

Mr Michael's comment adds to concerns highlighted by a critical report from Defra's parliamentary watchdog, the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee released last month.

The report said the introduction of the English single farm payment model as a result of CAP reform was not properly thought through and seemed to have been based on "pragmatism and political expediency".

Farming Minister Lord Whitty conceded that Defra had not worked out how the SFP would affect individual sectors like dairy farming and hill farming. The committee concluded that research about the economic, social and environmental impact of the payment did not appear to be "sufficiently detailed".

Mr Collins said such a lack of prior research put the Lake District landscape at risk.

"Before ministers proceed with the most significant change to Cumbrian farm payments in half a century they need to know exactly what the impact will be on the landscape upon which our entire local economy depends.

"Latest official figures show there are more than two million cattle and sheep grazing in Cumbria and ministers have now admitted they have no idea how these numbers will be affected when CAP reforms are introduced next year."

Significant numbers of farmers are expected to quit the industry as the SFP is phased-in, offering a payment that is not linked to production. But to continue to claim support, farmers must carry out environmental work to keep land in good agricultural condition.