Search

The article reports that some farmers are expected to make a last-minute filing of common agricultural policy (CAP) Basic Payment applications, with eligible farmers in England due to start their Basic Payment Scheme paper form applications.

The article reports on the consultation paper published by Great Britain's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on the abolition of the Agricultural Wages Board (AWB) for England and Wales. It reveals the government's efforts to bring farming in line with other areas of the economy and make it easier for employees to receive annual salaries. Critics claim that the plan will actually add to the bureaucratic burden of many smaller farmers.

Presents a forecast on the cost of farmers' compliance with the proposed single farm payment (SFP) measures in England, as of April 2004. Details of the publication of a consultation paper regarding the SFP measures; Penalty for noncompliance; Significance of the measures in improving farm management.

Reports that farmers in South Downs, England are urged to comment on plans to designate South Downs as a national park. Consultation paper published by the Countryside Agency on the proposal; Comments from Shaun Leavey, the National Farmers' Union south east regional director.