A major report looking into farm regulation concludes that the current rules of the farming sector – with its one-size-fits-all rules-based approach – is too inflexible.
A more supportive, flexible and incentives-led approach to farming regulation has been recommended as part of wide-ranging review into the sector published today (Thursday 13 December).
The current inspection regime can result in farmers being visited by as many as five different bodies - the Rural Payments Agency, Natural England, The Animal Plant and Health Agency, the Environment Agency or their local authority – all asking for similar information.
Earlier this year, Defra Secretary Michael Gove said each visit adds to the “burden” on farmers, and the “rigidity” of the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) rules require inspections of precise criteria such as field margin dimensions and the specific placement of trees in fields.
The final report by Dame Glenys Stacey recommends a new independent regulator that would be supportive of farmers’ individual circumstances, offering them guidance and helping to incentivise good practice.
This means local advisers would be able to visit farmers to discuss issues such as biosecurity, soil quality or animal welfare, rather than turning up to impose an automatic sanction.
In other words, the regulator should work alongside farmers – to “do with” rather than to “do to” in order to ensure high standards, the review recommends.
The report, which was commissioned by Gove in February, also recommends better use of technology.
For instance, through satellite data and drones to monitor field margins and other public goods that the land manager is contracted to deliver.
Changing the balance between ‘on foot’ and remote surveillance would make inspections more efficient for the regulator and less burdensome for the farmer, the review highlights.
'Nonsensical rules'
Dame Glenys Stacey said farmers are subject to a number of “pernickety and sometimes nonsensical rules”.
“There is little practical advice or guidance given to ensure compliance. Instead, automatic financial penalties have become the norm when at times they are unfair,” she said.
“The large majority of farmers want to farm responsibly but some need guidance, advice and support to do that. A regulator should provide that, and explain why any change on the farm is needed.
“There is so much scope to regulate more effectively, by harnessing technology and local knowledge. A strong regulatory culture brings many opportunities – from getting on top of systemic issues such as animal diseases, to improving plant health and our environment under the new farming system.”
'Submerged in red tape'
The CLA, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses, welcomed the review, calling it a move to a new system which is supportive rather than one “submerged in red tape”.
CLA President, Tim Breitmeyer said: “The review highlights many of the problems and frustrations farmers have with current enforcement and we support its aims to make it simpler to run a farm business post-Brexit.
“We recognise the need to demonstrate good practice and high standards in partnership with the Government. A new system must ensure current codes of practice and assurance schemes are built upon to effectively demonstrate and drive best practice.”
The government will respond to the review in the New Year.
