Farming Today - Farming Today This Week

As hill farmers struggle, Charlotte Smith considers the future for the uplands. They provide 70% of the UK's water and vast amounts of carbon storage, yet historically have been seen as a problem for agriculture rather than an opportunity. The Commission for Rural Communities says more subsidies should go to upland farmers, and less to farmers in the lowlands, suggesting upland farmers could be paid to manage upland resources, rather than just to farm. But in the Peak District, Charlotte Smith finds that by diversifying into tourism, upland farmers can make a living, and in the Lake District, discovers that by looking at the potential of woodland and water, farmers can make ends meet. Presenter: Charlotte Smith Producer: Melvin Rickarby.