DEFRA has confirmed its intention to encourage a voluntary approach to set-aside replacement as it looks to get industry leaders to rally round the project.
DEFRA has published a full consultation on proposals to amend cross-compliance provisions under the Single Payment Scheme (SPS), including proposals designed to address the environmental benefits associated with set-aside.
In spring 2008 the UK supported the removal of set-aside, which allowed farmers to take land out of production to avoid over-supply while retaining the environmental benefits such as using uncropped land as buffer strips to prevent nitrates from fertilisers running off into ditches and streams.
National Farmers’ Union president Peter Kendall said: “I am very pleased that DEFRA ministers have thrown their support behind our alternative industry-led approach to addressing the environmental consequences that might arise due to the removal of set-aside.
“There is a clear choice - between an option that we think will adversely impact on farmers’ existing stewardship options, add to regulatory burdens, and force land out of production, and an option that will champion those farmers who are already doing the right thing and encourage others to do their bit to promote a sustainable, productive environment.
“Ministers have stated that they see the potential of an approach that does not rely on regulation. This is a very positive signal and I look forward to DEFRA's support in the development of our proposals. We will need all our partners, especially those in government, working with us and I am determined to work with them to show the industry can succeed in its aims.
“In the same way as the consultation document says that the benefits of any measures put in place may not be apparent for a number of years, equally the same argument has to be applied to the impact of set-aside removal. Regardless, the industry takes its environmental responsibilities seriously and believes that a chance has been presented to show again how voluntary, industry-led approaches like the Voluntary Initiative and Environmental Plan for Dairy Farming can win the hearts and minds of farmers and achieve lasting change.”
The consultation document also includes important proposals in respect of buffer strips, soil management, abstraction licences and management of land not in production.
In respect of soil management, the consultation document includes proposals to simplify the existing cross-compliance criteria, notably by obviating the requirement to apply for waterlogged field derogations.
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