The European Forum for Nature Conservation and Pastoralism (EFNCP) has just published a leaflet outlining farming and conservation organisations' fears and proposals concerning the current CAP rules on permanent pasture and those being considered for 2014 - 2020.

efncp-permanent-_pasture-leaflet_.pdf

Jim Paice MP, Defra Minister of State told the Oxford Farming Conference that we have to produce more, waste less, distribute it more efficiently and do so with much less energy and use of resources whilst protecting our biodiversity and also with less water. We need a CAP which encourages efficiency with added value for the taxpayer and the environment. We need the best research, technology and knowledge transfer. Farming needs its own professional body to look after its technical and business expertise.

Natural England has published a ‘package’ of information on its website outlining how the Environmental Stewardship (ES) programme will operate for the remaining two years of its current programme. The idea is to give farmers and advisors an overview of what is coming up and the chance to plan accordingly.

An Information Note containing a summary of the information, including budgets for the next two years, has been produced. Various other supporting documents are also available:

To read the latest newsletter from The Braken Control Group click here https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:CampaignPublic/id:1357851.7739878484/rid:2...

Take action now to help avoid unnecessary delays or reductions and make your SPS 2012 claim as straightforward as possible. Click here to register now to see the online services on offer. More and more farmers and agents are using the electronic service - over 31,000 applied online in 2011. Benefits include: on-screen checks to reduce errors, instant proof of receipt, no postage costs or delays, claim tracking and view and print claim statements and entitlements statements. Go to the RPA website to find out more http://rpa.defra.gov.uk/rpa

From 3 January 2012, Natural England will have more flexible powers to help resolve cases where breaches of environmental regulations have resulted in harm to wildlife and the natural environment.

Natural England already has enforcement responsibilities in areas including Sites of Special Scientific Interest, heather and grass burning, breaches of certain wildlife licences, breaches of the Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) Regulations and damage caused by injurious weeds.

Farmers wanting professional advice will no longer have to ring around dozens of organisations before getting through to the right source, said Agriculture Minister Jim Paice as he announced that a new, simpler Government advice service will launch in the New Year.

Defra’s new Farming Advice Service (FAS) will offer a one-stop-shop to farmers needing advice on subjects including cross compliance, nutrient management, competitiveness, and climate change adaption and mitigation.

An easy to remember non-emergency police number has being launched today across our region.

You are now able to dial 101 to report non-emergency issues to police such as minor traffic collisions, criminal damage, or if you want to speak to your local neighbourhood officer about an issue affecting your community.

The new number is being introduced in the Cumbria, Cleveland, Durham, Northumbria and North Yorkshire force areas as part of a national roll-out in England and Wales designed to make it easier for people to contact police.

This scheme is part of the government's White Paper on the Natural Environment which will select 12 pilot areas across the UK to become part of a three-year plan to improve the natural environment. The Lake District National Park Partnership has been successful in its 1st round bid to deliver a step-up in nature conservation in the Bassenthwaite and Ullswater catchment areas.

The partnership now has to develop a full business plan. If successful they will be allocated about £600,000 over three years.

FCC contribution to NIA bid