From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, July 02, 2008

DEVON County Council has committed £36,000 to support livestock farmers on Dartmoor and Exmoor.

The funding for the South West Uplands Federation follows a £3 million pledge from the Regional Development Agency for the Federation, announced at a conference discussing the future of south west hill farming last week.

Devon County Council Leader Councillor Brian Greenslade, said: "The need for sustained funding to enable farmers to look after the land that we all value and know so well was a vital point raised at the conference. We need to show our support for hill farmers, and Devon County Council is clearly demonstrating its commitment to rural communities and local producers with this additional support."

The County Council support comes at a crucial time after recently published research found that 'the fragile economic viability of hill farming in the South West, already threatened by years of poor returns, may me made worse by the consequences of the Single Farm Payment Scheme'.

The research was commissioned by the Duchy of Cornwall, Dartmoor and Exmoor National Park authorities and prepared by the University of Exeter, Duchy College and Cumulus Consultants Ltd.

Devon County Council's funding for the South West Uplands Federation continues its support for rural communities. The County Council has also provided funding for the Devon Rural Network, carried out research into sustainable rural communities and supported the Community Council of Devon.

Notes for Editors:

Councillor Brian Greenslade, 01271 372065.