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The article reports on the need for Michael Gove, British Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), to keep his Brexit farm promises. It discusses the reactions to remarks by Secretary Gove regarding a comprehensive free-trade deal with the European Union (EU) post Brexit, focusing on the possible radical reform of British farm suppoprt considering its environmental policy, and his criticism of the allocation of subsidies to larger farmers.

The article reports on the possibility that the dairy sector in Great Britain could be pushed into terminal decline due to new Nitrate Vulnerable Zone rules, which force farmers to improve slurry storage facilities, according the Tenant Farmers Association (TFA). The government states that such rules are necessary to meet the conditions set out in the Nitrates Directive of the European Union (EU). The TFA notes that they are calling for the government to provide grant aid to help farmers in meeting huge investment costs.

The article focuses on the need for the British government to be serious in implementing European Union environmental directives and support conservation agriculture. Adopting reduced and min-till systems provides environmental benefits according to Nuffield scholar John Geraghty. The initial motivation for farmers was the need to control erosion. The government could help farmers to realise agricultural and environmental objectives.

The article reports on the developments in the proposed "greening" amendments to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in the European Union. According to the British Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) secretary Caroline Spelman, the proposals by the European Commission are not enough to improve the environment. Spelman presented her views at the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee evidence hearing on January 17, 2012.

The article reports on the proposals of the government of Belgium to reform the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in Great Britain. The proposals include reduction of subsidy payments to individual farmers who refuse to implement environmental measures on their land. European Union (EU) Farm Commissioner Dacian Ciolos believes that the CAP reforms will strengthen competitiveness and sustainability of European agriculture. The Belgian government faces pressure to reduce the CAP reform budget.

The article reports on the petition on hand spray pesticide presented by "Farmers Weekly" to German Green Members of the European Parliament (MEP) Hiltrud Breyer, who is currently overseeing the passage of the legislation through the European Parliament. A detailed synopsis of the Save our Sprays (SOS )campaign is also being sent to the 67 MEP who sit on the influential environment committee, and to the EU Commission and farm council, according to the author.

Presents information on a study released by the Birdlife International and the RSPB in 2005, on the implementation of cross-compliance across Europe. Failure of some European Union member states to apply the 1979 Birds Directive and the 1992 Habitats Directive; European countries which implement the cross-compliance well; Benefits of implementing the cross-compliance.

Reports on the confirmation by Irish farm minister Joe Walsh that Irish farmers may be able to apply for the new Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS 3) even before it is signed off by the European Union (EU). Confirmation that farmers in the existing REPS 2 scheme would be able to convert to REPS 3; Meeting between Walsh and EU farm commissioner Franz Fischler to clear up a technical problem involving the scheme.

Focuses on the changes to Scotland's Less Favoured Area Support Scheme for 2004 announced by the Scottish Executive. Impact of the revisions introduced by the European Union on the environmental component of the scheme; Reasons for introducing enhanced environmental conditions in the scheme.