Campaign launches to help farmers protect environment

The Campaign For the Farmed Environment (CFE) has been launched jointly by the Government, the farming industry and conservation organisations.

Its principal aim is to protect and enhance wildlife and biodiversity as well as water quality. It has been launched to retain the environmental benefits of ‘set-aside’, which was introduced as part of the European Common Agricultural Policy to prevent over production. Under it, farmers had to set-aside a proportion of their land from being used for production, but in 2007, following significant rises in grain prices across Europe, the EU decided to shelve the set-aside rate for 2008 and it is not clear when it will be re-instated.

Launching the campaign yesterday, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said: “The Campaign for the Farmed Environment is a testament to the determination of farmers, Government, and environmental organisations to work together to support and protect wildlife and biodiversity.

“Two thirds of England’s farmers have so far put part of their land into an agri-environment scheme and the Campaign’s challenge is to build on this excellent start.

“And for those yet to join a scheme, we want to encourage them to take voluntary action that best fits how they farm, so they can support wildlife and protect water quality while continuing to produce food in a sustainable way.”

The campaign is asking farmers and land managers to retain and correctly record their current area of uncropped land and adopt at least one voluntary measure to meet the campaign targets.

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said it would hold demonstration farm events, among other things, to provide on-the-ground advice to enable farmers to put in place campaign options most appropriate to their local areas.

The campaign is being backed by industry stakeholders, including the the National Farmers Union, and is working in partnership with Defra, Natural England, the Environment Agency and the RSPB.