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Campaign for the Farmed Environment-February 2011

We have reached that time of year when everyone needs to complete and return their CFE surveys. The threat of compulsory environment measures hasn’t gone away and the farming industry as a whole needs to prove that we can meet the CFE targets without the need for regulations.
The simplest and most cost effective way to contribute to CFE is to sign up to ELS. In addition, any extra game crops (excluding those that contain maize) should be entered into the CFE survey form. Every farmer will need to do their bit for the scheme if we have any chance of meeting the CFE targets by June 2012.

Payment Date Changes-February 2011

Payment dates for ELS and HLS have been changed after an audit of the schemes by the EU. From the 1st July 2011, if you enter into environmental stewardship, in all years except the first your payment dates will be as follows:

• A partial payment will be made in the autumn and
• An annual payment will be made between January to June of the following year (depending on your agreement start date  i.e. the annual anniversary of your agreement)

This payment cycle will continue for the duration of your agreement. These changes will apply to agreement holders with a start date of 1st February 2007 or later. Depending on when your agreement starts, your first payment may not be until the next calendar year.

Each partial payment will be half your total management payment for that year, the remaining amount will be paid in your annual payment.