The Campaign for the Farmed Environment (CFE)

The Campaign for the Farmed Environment (CFE) is a voluntary initiative, the objective of which is to retain and exceed the environmental benefits that used to be provided by set aside.

A wide range of industry organisations supports the campaign and recognises the importance of voluntary measures. Collectively farmers need to prove these measures can work by 2012, otherwise regulation by the government will be put in place which will result in compulsory set aside with more ‘red tape’ and expense for farmers and land owners nationwide.

The CFE has three target campaign themes:

• Farming for clearer water and healthier soil – Erosion and run-off can have a hugely damaging impact on the valuable nutrients, wildlife and water sources on your farm.
• Farmland birds – Wild birds present on your farm indicate overall bio-diversity and CFE is aiming for a population increase of the ‘ten most wanted’.
• Farming for farm wildlife – Providing a variety of habitats for wildlife on farms.

Environmental Stewardship is an agri-environmental scheme that provides farmers with funding to help deliver environmental benefits to their farm. The CFE is supported through the Entry Level Scheme (ELS) and Higher Level Scheme (HLS) by the choice of specific in-field options which deliver the CFE campaign themes.

In addition by putting additional non-profitable or difficult to farm areas voluntarily into the CFE campaign theme options farmers can help support the campaign and concentrate on farming the profitable areas of the farm.

The success of the CFE is important to all farmers. The campaign offers a good opportunity to avoid new regulation, avoid the re-introduction of set-aside and bring additional environmental benefits through the voluntary introduction of CFE management options.

If you need help with Environmental Stewardship or more information on how to assist the Campaign for the Farmed Environment ring Hannah Foster on 01256 389253.