NFU urges Government to set up contingency plans for delayed Rural Development Programme

The NFU has expressed its deep concern at the delay in the new Rural Development Programme for England.

In a written statement this week, Secretary of State David Miliband confirmed the new Rural Development Programme for England will not be able to start on January 1 2007. The delay comes as a result of the uncertainty surrounding the financing of the programmes, including the implementation of (voluntary) national modulation.

While, according to Mr Miliband's statement, "existing beneficiaries' agreements will continue to be honoured," uncertainty remains over the contingency arrangements affecting other farmers.

NFU President Peter Kendall said: "I view with extreme concern the delay to the English Rural Development Programme. Farmers have been encouraged by Government to participate in rural development schemes to now be told the delay in the approval in the programmes will jeopardise the delivery of some payments.

"The participation in these programmes does not come free - and now people are told the payments might not be forthcoming. Farmers need certainty and this is why I urge Government to put in place contingency plans to ensure the farming community does not suffer as a result of the delay."