The government has finally launched its long-awaited consultation on a replacement for set-aside in England.
The consultation document was published by DEFRA on Wednesday (4 March).
It asks for views on two different approaches designed to enhance farmland wildlife habitats by re-establishing the environmental benefits of set-aside.
The first option is a combination of mandatory and incentive-based measures linked to the Single Farm Payment.
It would require farmers in England to manage a percentage of their cultivated land primarily for environmental purposes.
This could include management options allowing production to continue on the land.
Entry Level Stewardship ‘top-up’ options would also be available to reward growers prepared to undertake more demanding environmental management on this land.
But these ‘top-ups’ could only pay for the additional management costs.
The second option – preferred by farm leaders – is a purely voluntary approach to encourage land management practices that promote farmland bird habitats.
This option would see the creation of a Farm Environment Action Plan managed and led by farmers to encourage the retention and management of uncropped land.
The government has warned that this voluntary approach must be capable of delivering the environmental benefits – including adequate take-up by farmers.
If it fails to deliver the desired changes quickly enough, then changes to cross compliance would be brought in.
In addition, the chosen approach must demonstrate that it can be implemented in time for the 2010/11 cropping season.
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.
DEFRA secretary Hilary Benn said balance was needed between reducing burdens on farmers and ensuring that the natural environment was maintained.
“We stand ready to support an industry-led way of doing this if it can deliver what’s needed, with industry-wide ownership and leadership,” he said.
“Farmers do much to help already, and we need to ensure that the environmental benefits of set aside are not lost amid regulations.
“That’s why it’s important that we get views from all interested parties so that we can protect and enhance natural wildlife habitats without hindering farmers.”
The 12-week consultation runs until 27 May 2009.