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Hilary Benn Reappoints Rural Climate Change Forum

   

NEWS RELEASE

Ref: 332/08
Date: 17 October 2008

The Rural Climate Change Forum (RCCF) has been reappointed up to March  2011, to continue advising Government how the agriculture, forestry, and land management sector can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the UK.

The existing Chair and members of the RCCF have all been asked to remain in their roles, while three new members from the agricultural sector have been invited to join the Forum.

Announcing the reappointments, Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, said:

“Over the past three years the Rural Climate Change Forum has provided valuable support and advice to Defra. I’m delighted to extend the Forum’s term, reappoint the existing members with John Gilliland as Chair, and invite the Agriculture and Horticultural Development Board, the Agricultural Industries Confederation, and the Soil Association to join.

“The Forum will play a vital role in shaping policy as we work with the farming, forestry and land management sectors to achieve greenhouse gas reductions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.” 

At its meeting yesterday the RCCF met with Lord Adair Turner, Chairman of the Committee on Climate Change.  Lord Turner said:

 “My Committee has just advised Government that it should adopt a target to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. As a significant emitter of nitrous oxide and methane, the agriculture, forestry and land management sector has a major part to play in meeting this target. I welcome the opportunity to meet with the Forum today.  Its  work will help inform my Committee’s report to Government in December, which will include advice on the levels of UK carbon budgets up to 2022”.

Dr John Gilliland OBE, Chair of the RCCF said:

“I’m very pleased to have been asked to continue as Chair of the Forum, and to have the opportunity to support the work of both the Committee on Climate Change and the Government. We have already made a good start in helping the sector understand its responsibilities and I’m excited at the prospect of being able to move this work forward over the next two and a half years”.

Notes to editors

  1. The Rural Climate Change Forum was established by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs in March 2005 and brings together the key organisations with an interest in the rural land management sector.
  1. The Forum’s term of appointment, membership and objectives have recently been reviewed by the Secretary of State, who has decided to extend its term to March 2011; reappoint the existing member organisations; and, invite three new members to join the Forum.
  1. The Forum will continue to be chaired by Dr John Gilliland OBE.
  1. The membership of the forum is as follows:
  • Agricultural Industries Confederation* - David Caffall, Chief Executive
  • Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board* - Dr John Bridge, Chairman
  • Environment Agency - Aileen Kirmond, [Head of Land Quality
  • Forestry Commission - Paul Hill-Tout, Director England
  • The Carbon Trust - Clare Hierons, Head of Client Operations
  • Country Land and Business Association - Henry Aubrey-Fletcher, President
  • National Farmers Union - Dr Jonathon Scurlock, Chief Adviser, Renewable Energy and Climate Change
  • The National Trust - Peter Nixon, Director of Conservation
  • Natural England – Shaun Thomas, Regional Director East of England
  • RSPB - Dr Mark Avery, Director of Conservation
  • Soil Association* - Peter Melchett, Policy Director
  • Sustainable Development Commission - Dr John Gilliland OBE (Chair)

* new members from October 2008.

  1. The Rural Climate Change Forum’s mission statement is:

“Farmers and land managers are already changing their practices in response to climate change, and they have a vital role to play.  Our aim is that – by 2020 – England’s farmers and land managers will be fully meeting their responsibilities to help the natural environment adapt to the impacts of climate change, and to make a significant and verifiable reduction to the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions; making the most of opportunities that climate change presents and managing the risks that it brings.”

  1. For more information on the Rural Climate Change Forum go to www.defra.gov.uk/environment/climatechange/uk/agriculture/rccf/index.htm
  1. For more information on the Committee on Climate Change go to www.defra.gov.uk/environment/climatechange/uk/legislation/committee/index.htm

End

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Page published: 17 October 2008