Hilary Benn accepts Curry Group recommendations on Set Aside

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn today announced plans to explore how the environmental benefits previously provided by set-aside can be developed.

Welcoming the latest report from Sir Don Curry's High Level Group on set aside and the environment, Mr Benn said that he accepted the Group's view that implementation in the 2008/09 year was not possible, but that there was a strong case for action, which needs to be implemented as soon as is practical.

He also agreed with the Group's preferred option that would require arable farmers to manage a small percentage of their land primarily for environmental purposes. The proposed requirement would not preclude arable production; instead Defra and its agencies would work with the industry by asking farmers to choose from a range of common practices such as permanent grass buffers, winter stubble, or reduced-input cereal crops. Farmers would also be encouraged to make the most of this land for wildlife through proposed new 'top-up'

options within the Environmental Stewardship scheme.

The Secretary of State confirmed that the Group's preferred approach will require the Rural Payments Agency and Natural England to work up detailed implementation proposals, and Defra to successfully negotiate changes in the CAP 'Health Check'. The Health Check is not expected to conclude before late 2008. This means that implementation will not be possible until the 2009/10 cropping year.

A copy of Hilary Benn's letter to Sir Don Curry, which gives more detail, is available on the Defra website.