Farmers get money for environmentally friendly work

Thursday, 3 March 2005 12:00 AM

A new Environmental Stewardship scheme that will see farmers paid extra money if they manage their land in an environmentally friendly manner has been launched today.

The Government is heavily promoting the scheme, believing that it marks a "watershed" in farming in the UK.

Ministers hope that the scheme will help reduce the decline in wild bird populations, cut pollution and increase all forms of wildlife.

Money can be earned through tasks such as stonewalling, maintaining hedgerows or protecting ponds from pesticides and fertilisers. The entry level scheme will allow farmers to earn up to £30 a hectare.

Launching the scheme, Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett said: "This is a real red-letter day for English farming. Every farmer can now be rewarded for protecting and enhancing the environment. With the wider CAP reforms, we are making good progress towards ensuring farming is truly sustainable.

"The more farmers that become involved, the greater the benefit to the environment. Reversing the long term decline in farmland birds, for example, requires action to improve habitats over wide areas."

There is also an organic and higher level component to the scheme which could see payments of up to £60 a hectare. Farmers applying for this will be expected to engage in higher level activities such wildlife conservation, enhancement of the landscape and the protection of historical environment.

The National Trust warmly welcomed the new scheme, saying it would have benefits for the countryside, wildlife and public access.

Head of agriculture Rob Macklin said: "Environmental Stewardship offers all farmers, whether extensive livestock producers or intensive arable farmers, new opportunities to improve their farmed environment and provide more public access, and be rewarded for doing so. The scheme marks a watershed for the industry".

Mr Macklin added that the scheme was a welcome commitment towards environmentally friendly farming and would provide great public benefits.

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