Hilary Benn announces set-aside decision
Farmers will take further voluntary action to ensure their farms support and protect wildlife, rather than being legally obliged to set aside land for conservation, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn announced today.
Under the new partnership scheme, farmers will make the most of the wildlife potential of their farms, including getting more farmers into Environmental Stewardship and expanding voluntary action to help protect farmland birds, plants and animals typical of the local landscape, and water quality. The new approach is being trialled as an alternative to compulsory set-aside, which was abolished last year.
Announcing his decision at the Royal Show, Mr Benn said:
“First, I want to recognise what many farmers are doing already. Two-thirds of England’s farmers have already put part of their land into an agri-environment scheme, in addition to voluntary action taking place outside this scheme to encourage birdlife and greater biodiversity. But we all agree that we need to do more for the environment.
“I therefore greatly welcome the commitment and trust that the NFU and the CLA have shown in reaching this groundbreaking agreement. In return for that trust, we all expect to see positive results for the environment. It’s a clear challenge to all farmers from the industry and government together – the success of this approach is in your hands.
“I look forward to seeing farmers responding to this challenge and to farmland bird numbers recovering, so that we don’t have to consider a regulatory approach.”
The new approach will be led by an industry campaign to give famers advice and guidance on how to take appropriate action on their land.
Further information
- The Future of our Farming (PDF 1.7MB) - A leaflet outlining our shared aims for and actions towards achieving a thriving and environmentally sustainable farming industry.
- Set-aside
- Responsibility and cost sharing for animal health and welfare
- News release: Benn backs farmers’ green offer
- Defra at The Royal Show: Responsibility and cost sharing (7 July 2009)
- Defra at The Royal Show (6 July 2008)
Page last modified: 9 July 2009
Page published: 9 July 2009