What you need to know

Consultation opens on proposals to reform the animal welfare inspection regime
The reforms would reduce the likelihood of farms at low-risk of non-compliance with animal welfare legislation being subject to inspection for cross compliance purposes. Views are also sought for ways in which further efficiencies in animal welfare inspections can be achieved.

Changes to delivery arrangements for the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) socio-economic elements from 1 July
Responsibility for the delivery of support for farming and forestry competitiveness, diversification of rural economy and rural quality of life under Axis1 and 3 of the RDPE, currently the responsibility of the Regional Development Agencies, and for management of the community-led Leader approach, will transfer to Defra.

New guidance on avoiding infections on farm visits
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published revised guidance to help farmers and other animal keepers minimise the risk of visitors acquiring an infection during a visit to their premises.
Click here for a new public information leaflet.

Advice on derogations for Environmental Stewardship agreements
To help cope with the intense spell of dry weather, Natural England is ensuring that appropriate Environmental Stewardship derogations are made available to farmers in agri-environment scheme agreements and is issuing advice on how they can apply for them.

What you may have missed

8 July 2011 closing date for Board members for the Animal Health and Welfare Board for England (AHWBE)
The deadline for applications for the position of Chair has now passed, however applications for Board members are still being sought.

First issue of Natural England’s Land Management Update now available online
The May issue of the new newsletter, keeping farmers, stakeholders and land managers up-to-date on Environmental Stewardship and Land Management, is now available on the NE website.

Farmers switch on to SPS Online as figures double for 2011

Cereals 2011, 15 – 16 June
This year Defra will be exhibiting on a joint stand with Natural England, Rural Payments Agency, Environment Agency and Fera. Come and visit us on stand i1008.

Find out about Defra’s current formal written consultations