The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has learned that 89 per cent of farmers with Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) applications due to run out in July are indicating they will renew giving a boost to the Campaign for the Farmed Environment.

Some 13,000 ELS agreements are due to expire this year, and some 5,200 of those on 31 July.

Natural England wrote to all agreement holders before Christmas to find out what their intentions were for the next 12 months. Of those renewing ahead of July, 28 per cent will use the preferred option of ELS online. This route has many benefits for farmers over paper applications, including not having to wait for a pack and control of the land to be entered into the scheme.

NFU countryside adviser Andrea Graham said: “2010 is a crucial year for the success of ELS and importantly it will be vital for the Campaign for the Farmed Environment, where ELS is one of the main ways to participate. It will also be important when these farmers actually come to renew their agreements that they try to meet the challenge we have been set of getting a more balanced uptake of options and an increase in the number of “in-field” type options that have been identified at being key to the campaign.

“It’s important that our farmer members do their ELS renewals early and don’t leave them until deadline day to ensure there are no gaps in payments. The NFU hopes that the improved online facility will help to smooth the application process for those renewing their agreements. And don’t forget to submit your final claim form to make sure you that you get the final payment from your existing agreement.”

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