The report,
which is part of a programme of monitoring and evaluation
for Agri-environment evidence, has highlighted that the
funding has facilitated a more engaged, collaborative and
environmentally aware farming community.
Chief Executive of Rural Payments Agency, Paul Caldwell,
said:
These Facilitation Fund groups are a valuable aid in
maximising the benefits of the Countryside Stewardship
schemes, as well as providing a support base for group
members looking to enter into new agreements to unlock
the potential of their land.
A total of 98 groups have been supported by the Countryside
Stewardship Facilitation Fund between 2015 and 2017, which
build on the principles of partnership-working to deliver
environmental benefits.
Although it is too early to comment on environmental
outcomes, there are initial signs of positive results to
come from the work of these groups thanks to trust and
collaboration.
With the deadline to submit an application for a
Countryside Stewardship mid-tier agreement fast approaching
on 31 July, farmers now have just over a week to apply for
an agreement starting next year.
,
Defra Farming Minister, said:
By getting involved in Countryside Stewardship,
participants will put themselves in good stead to
springboard into the new Environmental Land Management
scheme when it is rolled out in late 2024, which will
introduce new ways of working together with farmers to
deliver better environmental outcomes and create cleaner,
greener landscapes.
Since 2015, £10.3 million of funding has been committed to
136 facilitation groups across England through four
national rounds and one flood-focused round of the fund.
Tony Juniper, Chair of natural England said:
We already know that farmers and landowners can achieve
much greater environmental outcomes by working together
on a landscape scale.
This report has shown that by sharing knowledge and
expertise, farmers and landowners benefit from the
creation of a stronger community in their local area. At
the same time, they also gain the vital skills that will
be needed under future schemes that will reward farmers
for the public goods they work hard to produce.
The national conversation around the future Environmental
Land Management scheme is still open, with farmers warmly
invited share their views on a policy discussion document.
