Written question asked by Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 April 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 April 2012. It was answered by James Paice (Conservative) on Tuesday, 1 May 2012 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Set-aside Schemes

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reason her Department's Campaign for the Farmed Environment has been extended until December 2012.

Answer: The short extension to the Campaign for the Farmed Environment, from July 2012, which I have agreed (with the partner organisations) will ensure that current momentum is maintained, local delivery mechanisms are not dismantled and farmers can continue to demonstrate the capability to deliver good environmental management practice, while the future contribution of this industry-led voluntary partnership is considered. This is being done in the context of DEFRA commitments in the 2011 Natural Environment White Paper to assess advice and incentives to farmers and the role of voluntary approaches in delivering DEFRA's environmental priorities, with the aim of introducing any new arrangements from January 2013.

Secondary information