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<p>The sheep sector plays a vital role in contributing to rural life, local economies
and the iconic landscapes of the UK. With over 50% of the national flock being in
Wales and Scotland, the sheep sector is an important sector across the UK.</p><p>
</p><p>The climate and topography of the UK mean that much of it is unsuited to commercial
crop production, especially in Wales, Scotland and the north and west of England,
where livestock production is the main use of agricultural land. Sheep are a major
part of that, with breeds adapted to thrive in areas of harsh climate, topography
and low feed-value vegetation. Furthermore, grazing of sheep has a key role in maintaining
open habitats, primarily grasslands and heathlands, by hindering succession to scrub
or woodland in the lowlands and sub-montane zone. In doing so they are an important
land management resource.</p><p> </p><p>We are currently developing our own farming
policies as we prepare to leave the EU. Our intention, as laid out in the Agriculture
Bill, is for our future policies to primarily reward farmers for providing environmental
benefits. We are currently working with farmers, land managers and representative
bodies including the National Farmers Union, Tenant Farmers Association and National
Sheep Association to ensure that our future Environmental Land Management system can
work with livestock farms including sheep farms in lowland and upland areas.</p><p>
</p><p>Defra undertakes and coordinates research across the whole food production
system, looking at factors including environmental impacts, productivity, efficiency,
waste reduction etc. This includes research into sustainable diets, local and seasonal
produce, environmental labelling, supply chain efficiency, and sustainable consumption.</p>
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