Awareness of the Campaign for the Farmed Environment remains high and many farmers and land managers intend to take up measures to ensure it is a success, according to a new survey published by Defra.
But while the intent shown in a 3,000-farmer survey is encouraging, campaign partners have said that now is the ‘critical time’ to convert it into action.
There will be plenty of reminders in coming weeks. County-based postcard mailouts and local CFE events have highlighted how farmers can play their part and a special CFE trail will provide advice on the voluntary measures involved at Cereals 2010
A dedicated campaign stand (number 717) will also provide the opportunity to meet local coordinators and CFE partners face-to-face.
NFU President Peter Kendall said: “It is encouraging that so many farmers, land managers and advisers are behind the campaign but we have reached a critical point where good intentions need to be turned into action for the initiative to meet its targets and avoid regulation in the future. The industry has worked together to develop an informative trail at Cereals next week which all farmers and land managers should visit.”
“We must not become complacent,” said CLA resident William Worsley. “Now is the time to turn supportive words into action.”
- 1) If you are in ELS, renew your agreement or enter ELS for the first time and choose at least one in-field option. Many with expiring ELS agreements over the summer months will be looking for points to replace the old management plan options so this is an ideal opportunity to incorporate options that will contribute to campaign’s targets.
- 2) Retain your uncropped land and record this on the annual Defra June Survey.
- 3) Adopt at least one voluntary measure.
Find out more about the key ELS in-field options and voluntary measures at www.cfeonline.org.uk or contact your local coordinator for further information.
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