A new UK government initiative – which aims to protect agriculture – promises to be 'groundbreaking'. The campaign for the Farmed Environment has been designed to safeguard birds, wildlife, natural resources and water quality, as well as promote existing schemes. In order to enhance the nation's countryside, the initiative has been agreed on by the Government, the farming industry and conservation organisations.
Environment secretary Hilary Benn spoke at the launch of the campaign and noted that two-thirds of England's farmers had so far put part of their land into an agri-environment programme.
"For those yet to join a scheme, we want to encourage them to take voluntary action that best fits how they farm, so they can support wildlife and protect water quality while continuing to produce food in a sustainable way," he said.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the United States Department of Agriculture is to award over $17 million to various institutions to help new farmers, as well as to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of US agriculture.
Agriculture deputy secretary Kathleen Merrigan said people starting out in the industry have a range of unique challenges, adding they need educational and training programmes to enhance their profitability.
"The training provided through these grants will help ensure the success of the next generation of farmers and ranchers as they work to feed people in their local communities and throughout the world," she asserted.
PA Consulting Group's environment expert, Conrad Thompson comments: "At present, the UK Government spends over £3bn per annum providing grants to farmers as part of the Common Agriculture Policy. Furthermore, the cost of processing these grants runs into the hundreds of millions. The UK has been at the forefront of encouraging EU member states to move away from subsidy grants (or Pillar 1 grants) which are paid to farmers largely just for owning land, to grants based on environmental stewardship (or Pillar 2) where the farmer takes active steps to enhance their environment.
"Whilst these grants can be vital for farmers, particularly during tough economic conditions, many farmers already take an active interest in protecting the environment and importantly, may do so without requiring any financial return. This new initiative is welcomed as a further step away from central/EU government-based subsidies to a more voluntary approach which provides farmers with a far more flexible and discretionary means of taking steps to further enhance and protect their countryside."
