28 June 2011

Campaign for the Farmed Environment (CFE) voluntary measures can once again be recorded online so farmers and land managers can declare the work they are undertaking to support the campaign. image expired

Many farmers manage field margins in ways that benefit their business while providing habitats for wildlife and pollinators and helping to protect watercourses.

In a vital year for the CFE, its managers are reminding farmers that such work can count as campaign voluntary measures, but that it must be recorded.

Corrina Gibbs, national project manager, said: “Farmers and land managers across England may be surprised to find out that their existing management, with small changes to practices, could count towards the CFE. It can be as simple as keeping unsprayed stubbles until mid-February or replacing maize game strips with seed-bearing crops for birds.

“By managing areas of marginal land in line with the ‘red box’ or essential requirements, as detailed in the Guide to Voluntary Measures, the industry can show its ability to deliver environment benefits without the need for regulation.”

The online option is the quick and easy way to record support. Alternatively, a hard copy can be ordered from the CFE Programme Office, which can also provide farm signs highlighting these measures on farm and copies of the Guide to Voluntary Measures’.

The record for voluntary measures can be completed at www.cfeonline.org.uk.

Hard copies can be requested by emailing cfeonline@nfu.org.uk or calling 024 7685 8892.