MORE THAN any other sector of Scottish agriculture, upland sheep farming has been unsettled by the vote to leave the European Union and the subsequent political upheaval.

As things currently stand, making a living grazing sheep on Scotland's hills depends heavily on both EU subsidies specifically created to underpin businesses on remote, poor quality land, and easy access to the European markets that are much bigger fans of lamb than domestic consumers.

Brexit threatens both of those pillars of the industry, and the appointment of an outspoken critic of the Common Agricultural Policy, Andrea Leadsom, to the top job at Defra, has done nothing to calm hill farmers' fears, particularly given her notorious comment: “It would make so much more sense if those with the big fields do the sheep, and those with the hill farms do the butterflies."

Against this background – and amidst renewed publicity for calls to re-introduce large predators like lynx to UK hill ground – the National Sheep Association today launches a staunch defence of sheep farming in UK upland and hill areas, arguing that it provides a "wide range of public goods and services, from food production and environmental stewardship to landscape management and cultural heritage".

To promote understanding of this complex jigsaw, the NSA has prepared a report to raise awareness of the 'complementary role' of sheep in upland and hill areas. NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: “NSA has produced the report because this sector, that is so traditional yet still acts as a cornerstone of much of the modern UK sheep industry, continues to come under threat from many quarters.

"Much of this is due to misguided policy direction and a lack of understanding of the many ‘by products’ of upland sheep farming. These public goods go beyond its core agricultural outputs of food and wool; they include its foundation of fragile rural economies and communities, its creation and maintenance of landscapes and environments, and its contribution to tradition and heritage.

“All of this adds to our ecosystems and our sense of enjoyment and wellbeing, yet is rarely recognised or valued," said Mr Stocker. "Our aim is to convince decision makers of the unique contribution upland sheep farming provides and also to set some challenges to the industry itself by offering a strategic direction that should safeguard its future.”

NSA is well aware that the timing of its report is crucial, given the difficult decisions needing to be made over the future of agricultural support once the UK leaves Europe. Mr Stocker said: “This report will form the basis of many of the conversations we have over the coming months, as it is important the hills and uplands, home to some of the most iconic landscapes in the UK, are not forgotten in the Brexit discussions. There has never been a more important time to understand the tri-fold contribution of economic, environmental and societal benefits.”

The report formally launches at 11am on Wednesday July 27, when it will be available to view at www.nationalsheep.org.uk/policy-work.

For in-depth news and views on Scottish agriculture, see this Friday’s issue of The Scottish Farmer or visit www.thescottishfarmer.co.uk