A new electronic tool for advisers and agronomists which demonstrates how the Campaign for the Farmed Environment (CFE) is economically viable compared to the regulatory alternative has been launched.

The cost calculator allows farmers and growers to closely monitor how much the scheme costs as opposed to any regulatory option, which some believe would be a “burden”.

The CFE was developed by the industry to fend off a compulsory requirement that would have seen all farmers with cultivated land having to adopt environmental management options on up to six per cent of their land in England in addition to any work they had already completed through agri-environment agreements.

It is thought advisers and agronomists will be able to use the tool to demonstrate to their clients which voluntary management benefits both the environment and their farm businesses through both ELS and the voluntary measures.

Hutchinsons environmental service manager Bob Bulmer said: “I work closely with farmers and advisers on environmental schemes particularly Cross Compliance, Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) and the campaign. The cost calculator fills a gap when it comes to evaluating the economic impact of voluntary measures and ELS options. It also highlights the potential consequences of the reintroduction of compulsory set-aside. The calculator is easy to use and gross margins can be quickly amended as situations change.”

CFE partners include the NFU, the Country, Land and Business Association, the Agricultural Industries Confederation, the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, Linking Environment and Farming, DEFRA and Natural England.

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