Post from FW's arable editor Robert Harris:
Brussels’ decision to approve zero set-aside for this autumn and next spring’s drillings is no real surprise.
But at least the official rubber stamp removes any lingering uncertainty and will allow those growers who wish to return their fields to production to push on in good time and establish the crop of their choice.
Officials, and indeed our own farming leaders, deserve credit for speeding the process along.
The quick decision is an attempt to boost cereal production; indeed, EU ministers hope it will climb by 10m tonnes next harvest, easing the tight feel to the market.
But, with the market having already factored this in, don’t expect prices to ease on the back of this ruling.
Meanwhile, longer-term decisions about the set-aside’s future will kick off in late November as part of the CAP Health Check. Watch this space.
Comments (3)
There’s been an interesting response from the NFU on this one. It is advising farmers “to consider carefully how they respond to the Commission’s decision to reduce set-aside to zero for 2008”. NFU president Peter Kendall said: “I urge farmers and growers to retain areas of high conservation value and I am convinced they will do so.”
Looks like the union is a bit worried about a possible PR backlash.
Comment left on September 26, 2007 3:14 PM
Posted on September 26, 2007 15:14
Peter Kendall's comments should be noted - DEFRA secretary Hilary Benn has announced action to monitor the environmental impact of Brussels' decision on 0% set aside rate.
Mr Benn said that monitoring will assess what happens on the ground in the next few months and to provide a firmer basis for future action.
According to the press release if there is evidence of significant environmental impact - including on the bird population - as a result of the 0% rate, then the Government will look at what action to take.
Reading between the lines, it could enforce new environmental measures...
Comment left on September 26, 2007 5:36 PM
Posted on September 26, 2007 17:36
Talking to our Barometer farmers it's clear that plenty of the land they put into set-aside, notably on field headlands which are generally less productive, will remain uncropped. If that's mirrored across the country it should go some way to reassure those who seek to promote zero set-aside as an environmental disaster.
Comment left on September 26, 2007 10:14 PM
Posted on September 26, 2007 22:14