The Campaign for the Farmed Environment has renewed calls for farmers to take up agri-environment schemes. CFE leaders have praised landowners and farmers for their efforts in protecting the countryside, but have urged more farmers to consider joining the scheme, in order to avoid the threat of further regulation.

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Currently 52,300 hectares are managed under the Campaign for the Farmed Environment, which is sponsored by a variety of industry, government and conservation groups,  though those behind the campaign want to see the area under more sustainable management doubled by June 2012.

Earlier in the year, NFU president Peter Kendall told the EFRA Select Committee that the level of uncertainty over CAP reform and the greening measures this could bring had slowed uptake and renewal of schemes such as the CFE. However, this month, farming minister Jim Paice assured farmers that agri-environment scheme holders would be able to opt out without incurring penalties if they had to be changed as a result of CAP reform.

William Worsley, president of the Country Land and Business Association, one of the CFE partners, said, "I urge farmers and land managers to take a fresh look at their existing management options and check if they count towards making the Campaign a success."

Last week, The CFE announced it is offering  free one-to-one visits to farmers and landowners interested in learning more about the CFE and how they can support the Campaign on their farm. Informal visits provide farmers with the opportunity to explore their farms’ potential for supporting the Campaign, either through Entry Level Stewardship, Campaign Voluntary Measures or a combination of both.

Farmers interested in arranging a visit should visit the CFE website here.

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