The National Farmers Union has said it is ‘encouraged’ by the government’s interim response to the Farming Regulation Task Force but action must be taken quickly if the initiative is to retain credibility.
NFU deputy president Meurig Raymond said: “We know that the government is keen to implement the Task Force’s recommendations and we are encouraged by the appointment of Richard Macdonald to head the delivery group.
“But in the face of the inevitable scepticism in the farming community, and with new examples of over-regulation - like the proposals on quad bikes - still seemingly cropping up almost every day, we really do need to start seeing actions that match the rhetoric. Delivery is the key.”
Agriculture minister Jim Paice has said farmers with the best track records on environmental protection and animal welfare could soon operate more freely.
He has highlighted a number of areas where the government is hoping to reduce regulatory burdens on farmers.
They include building a closer working partnership with the industry to help cut red tape, targeting inspections at farms more likely to breach regulations and co-ordinating inspections to reduce disruption from duplicate visits.
He also said the ‘complex’ environmental restrictions would be simplified to offer clearer guidance to farmers about the measures they needed to take.
"Where we can, we’re looking to free up those playing by the rules so they can get on with doing what they do best - running their farms,” Paice said.
“The MacDonald report was big, bold and ambitious, and if industry is ready to play its part, we can make it a reality.”
Richard MacDonald who led the Task Force said:
“I am greatly reassured by the progress that has been made in response to the task force. Many of our recommendations were bold and challenging and for some there are no quick fixes.
“What we need to see now is some flesh on the bones. We need a clear timetable for how the aspirations within this report will be turned into reality with specific actions from DEFRA. Most of all we need to see a step change in over-zealous regulation replaced by a system which encourages and rewards farmers for upholding the high standards expected.”
The government’s full and final response to the Task Force report will be published in early 2012.
