FWAG joins partner organisations at the launch of the Campaign for the Farmed Environment

The Chairman and Managing Director of the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group - the UK's leading provider of environmental advice to farmers and landowners - today joined the Defra Secretary of State, the Rt Hon Hilary Benn and partner organisations at the launch of the Campaign for the Farmed Environment (CFE), an initiative which aims to retain the environmental benefits formerly provided by set-aside in three key areas - resource protection, farmland birds and farm wildlife.  

The Campaign for the Farmed Environment is an industry-led voluntary approach seen as the most viable alternative to set-aside. It encourages all farmers and land managers to voluntarily adopt important land practices that are agronomically practical.  The Campaign unites key industry stakeholders - the NFU, CLA, AIC, FWAG, GWCT, LEAF, AICC and CAAV who will work closely and together, in partnership with Defra and its agencies, Natural England and the Environment Agency.    Local Liaison Groups have been established in target counties to provide tailored advice and guidance to farmers and land managers based on the environmental challenges and opportunities in their area.  A network of beacon farms will also demonstrate the Campaign working in practice and give inspiration to other farmers and growers wanting to back the Campaign.

Speaking at the launch Andy Ormiston, Managing Director of the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, said "FWAG is delighted with the way that the industry has responded to the challenge so far and we look forward to working with farmers and other partner organisations to help deliver the Campaign's objectives".