Gove – Oxford Farming conference speech on reform of agricultural subsidy. It is a long read but there is a clear series of statements on, “Paying for what we value” later on in the speech. “The principal public good we will invest in is of course environmental enhancement. In thinking about how better to support […]
Following the consultation it initiated in 2015, Defra has released its conclusions on farming rules for water. Click here for a press notice, policy paper and overview of the rules. Defra’s documents outline the new rules and say that in essence: the rules cover both management of fertilisers and manure and management of soils; in […]
According to new analysis, natural water management schemes could be an important new source of profit for upland farms post-Brexit, and protect vulnerable communities from flooding. England’s struggling upland livestock farmers could earn over £15,000 profit a year by entering into private water management contracts with businesses and organisations in areas susceptible to flooding, according […]
The Environmental Policy Forum has warned the EU Withdrawal Bill is “inadequate” to deliver Environment Secretary Michael Gove’s vision of a “green Brexit”. However, unencumbered by the views of experts, it is reported that Defra Secretary of State Michael Gove, in a recent visit to the West Country, will ensure that the “lion’s share” of […]
This is the full version of the Queen’s speech – a PDF – which starts to flesh out the individual Brexit Bills. For water and environment the Agricultural Bill will be worth scrutinising BBC on the Queen’s Speech
Working the landscape WaterLIFE’s catchment work in East Anglia is featured in The Ends Report this month, which covers environment, carbon and sustainability news. Rachel Salvidge, Ends journalist, spent a day with the team, learning about some of the issues the region faces – such as soil loss and diffuse agricultural pollution – as well […]
What’s the post Brexit future for farming in the UK? NGO’s set out their principles for the future of the countryside, environment, farming and rural development – Report Posted on 24 January, 2017 by Green Alliance blog This post is by Green Alliance’s chair, Dame Fiona Reynolds. For the many people who care about the beauty of our […]
Severn Trent Water reopens environmental scheme for farmers – STEPS – £21 million Severn Trent Water is reopening its environmental scheme for farmers in the Midlands, offering them another opportunity to apply for a grant to help them to protect local watercourses from pollution. The STW catchment team is launching two new farmer support schemes as […]