A new Farming Advice Service for 2012

A new Farming Advice Service (FAS) has been launched by Defra. It replaces the previous Cross Compliance Advice Programme and combines advice on cross compliance with advice on nutrient management, climate change mitigation and adaptation and competitiveness to help you improve the economic and environmental performance of your farm.

How is this new advice service different?

The new Farming Advice Service will provide integrated advice to farmers and land managers to help meet the challenge of increasing food production while improving environmental outcomes. This does not just cover cross compliance issues, but is far wider ranging. To do this, FAS will deliver advice on the following:

• Cross compliance
• Competitiveness
• Nutrient management
• Climate change adaptation
• Climate change mitigation

Advice will be integrated as much as possible as there is substantial cross over between some of these topics and good practice in one area can have multiple benefits.

How can I be sure this advice is relevant to me and my specific needs?

A fundamental element of this new advice service is engagement with key national and regional stakeholders including the National Farmers Union (NFU) Country Land and Business Association and the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB). These stakeholders will input into the development of relevant advice across all farming sectors and ensure your needs are represented.

The advice programme draws upon expertise form the most respected agricultural consultancies and research organisations in the country to ensure that the advice delivered is targeted, relevant,  accurate and independent.

What can I expect from this new service?

Expect free expert advice in the form of farm workshops, walks, drop in clinics, newsletters, text messages and a comprehensive helpline where you can speak to experts in the field.

Who is delivering this new advice service?

This new service is being led by AEA in partnership with ADAS and a consortium of advisers, as well as input from key stakeholders.

When can I start using this service?

Immediately! Please contact us as detailed below:

• Email: either advice@farmingadviceservice.org.uk for general enquiries
  or bookings@farmingadviceservice.org.uk to register for text alerts, to receive Newsletters, and to book events and speakers.

Please be sure to include your name, farm name, postcode and mobile/ landline number in your email.

• Telephone: 0845 345 1302

Register for FAS Text Message Updates

Text messages are an effective way to getting relevant information to farmers, fast! The new service will send text messages as a reminder of approaching key dates, or in response to current events e.g. flooding. Messages will also signpost to key information, and raise awareness of local events. To register for text message updates, please contact us via email at bookings@farmingadviceservice.org.uk with ‘Register for text updates’ in the subject line, and including your name and mobile phone number in the message.

Free Expert Speaker Programme

The new service will provide ’free’ expert speakers to groups and events.

If you are interested in this opportunity please email bookings@farmingadviceservice.org.uk providing your phone number and as much detail as you have available on your proposed dates, location and requirements and we will phone you back promptly to discuss the options.