RBST seeks member’s views on Defra proposals for environmental farm land management.

RBST will be taking part in Defra’s consultation process on their latest proposals on establishing environmental benefits for English farmland now that set-aside has finished. And RBST would like to hear the views from members to help inform their response.

Defra announced in March that it was seeking views on two different approaches to enhancing farmland wildlife habitats and the natural environment following the ending of set-aside.

Under Option A, there is a combination of mandatory and incentive-based measures which would introduce a new cross compliance condition linked to Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) subsidies. It requires farmers in England to manage a small percentage of their cultivated land primarily for environmental purposes but which could allow production to continue on the land.

Entry Level Stewardship ‘top-up’ options would also be available to reward those prepared to undertake more demanding environmental management on this land, although the ‘top-ups’ would only pay for the additional management costs.

Option B, is a purely voluntary approach to develop, promote and implement land management practices that address the habitat needs of farmland birds and encourage retention and management of uncropped land. It would see the creation of a Farm Environment Action Plan managed and led by farmers.

Defra have said that a voluntary approach would need to ensure an adequate take-up by farmers otherwise changes to cross compliance would be brought in.

Following a recent CAP health check, the consultation also seeks views on: introducing wider buffer strips next to water courses to improve water quality; improving soil management guidance to encourage farmers to undertake more active management of risks such as soil erosion and compaction; and promoting the management and restoration of hedge banks.

Said RBST Chairman Tim Brigstocke “This is a fundamental issue for RBST as landscape management is at the heart of our Way Forward strategy and it is driving our commitment to the Grazing Advice Partnership. The natural adaption of native breeds is vital for sustainable land management and I would ask members to look at the proposals and send in your comments.”

With the short consultation process ending on the 27th May 2009 please send in any comments as soon as possible to enquiries@rbst.org.uk [1] or RBST, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, CV8 2 LG and mark correspondence set aside.  To find out more about the proposals please visit www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/gaec/index.htm [2]