A group of farmers from the UK yesterday met with MEPs in Brussels to call for increased support for conservation measures. The farmers from Wales, Northern Ireland and East Anglia, joined by others from a number of member states, highlighted the importance of wildlife-friendly farming.

The group’s aim was to secure more support under the new Common Agricultural Policy for targeted agri-environment schemes, funding for which they fear may be cut as part of the reforms. In December last year, Germany forced the EU to drop biodiversity considerations from being linked with CAP reforms, a move which conservationists condemned as “Extremely disappointing and concerning.”

The farmers fear that, under current proposals, CAP reforms would mean cuts to agri-environment schemes and ‘High Nature Value’ farming systems in areas such as uplands. These management systems, the farmers argue, benefit both people and wildlife and should be given greater consideration in forthcoming reforms.

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Backed by conservation groups including the RSPB, the farmers called for support for research into and implementation of science-backed conservation techniques. They say adopting conservation methods is essential for reversing biodiversity loss and transitioning to lower-impact farming systems necessary to maintain productivity.

In the UK, farmland bird populations have fallen by an average of 50 per cent since 1970, with numbers of the worst affected species plummeting by 90 per cent.  In a recent Yougov poll, 40 per cent of respondents said they felt environmental protection regulation was too weak. The poll revealed only 4 per cent of the population support deregulation, as it is being pursued by the present government.

There are concerns that, in addition to reforms under Common Agricultural Policy, the effects of the government’s ‘Red Tape Challenge’ will massively undermine conservation efforts in the country.

RSPB director speaks out over reforms

Martin Harper, RSPB Conservation Director, commented on the threats facing environmentally responsible farming and the potential consequences for wildlife, “There is a very real and looming threat to many countryside birds. Without proper support through the Common Agricultural Policy, farmers across the UK will not be able to put in place the measures needed to protect birds and other wildlife.”

The charity’s director continued, “High Nature Value farming systems already maintain some of Europe’s most threatened habitats and species, contribute to soil carbon storage and the protection of water resources. However, such systems are economically fragile and many farmers face a stark choice between intensifying production or abandoning farming altogether. Much has been made of the ‘greening’ proposals laid out in the new CAP, and while very much needed, they cannot replace what proven and targeted agri-environment measures can deliver.”

There has been widespread concern that, far from offering better environmental protection, the pillar one ‘greening measures’, which have proven to be the source of so much controversy, may hamper environmental support if industrial interests continue to chip away at regulations.

Gethin Owen, one of the farmers who visited Brussels to put his case to MEPs, who farms in Abergele, North Wales said, “As a farmer I have a duty to care for the countryside, and that means making sure that wildlife can thrive. The measures I have put in place on my land have made a real difference and this winter my land has been teeming with birds as a result.

“But modern farming is a business like any other, and in order to continue providing these measures we must be supported. Visiting Brussels to take this message direct to decision-makers is a great way for farmers who care about wildlife to make our voice heard. I just hope they listen to what we are telling them and push for a new CAP that supports farmers, wildlife and the wider environment.”

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