HILL farmers are becoming an "endangered species" as youngsters turn their backs on farming in their droves.

The National Union of Farmers has revealed that half of hill farmers questioned said their children would not be taking over their farms when they retired.

Extremely low annual incomes and long working hours were the main reasons for young people choosing to leave agriculture.

And the NFU is to hold an emergency conference on the matter in London on September 10.

The conference, called Young Farmers in the Hills, will "explore the problems facing young farmers and discuss solutions," an NFU spokesman said.

Rodney Bacon, senior policy advisor for the NFU in the North-West, said the conference would be of particular significance to the region, which is home to a large percentage of the country's hill farmers.

He said he was concerned that the loss of the next generation of hill farmers would have a significant impact on the countryside.

"As the structure for support to Britain's hill farmers comes under review, it is more important than ever that we make decision-makers aware of the vital role these farmers play in enhancing and protecting Britain's uplands," he said.

"If we don't get this right now, hill farmers will become an endangered species. It's as simple as that."

The conference will take place at the Berkeley Centre in London and further details are available from the NFU North-West office on 01695 554900.

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