THE government’s flagship RDPE environmental stewardship schemes are still open to new applicants; the schemes run by Natural England are split into Entry (ELS) and Higher (HLS) Level agreements.

The DEFRA produced maps of Dorset show a number of farms are not involved in either scheme and farmers and landowners could be missing out.

Entrance to ELS is based upon a flat rate points system across the farm; providing the options you choose meet your points target you will automatically be accepted onto the scheme and receive a flat rate payment of £30 / ha. For Organic ELS this payment increases to £60 / ha.

Many of the management options can easily be incorporated into the farming system already in place and do not necessarily mean big changes or restrictions.

HLS is a competitive scheme that has seen a drop in new agreements due to tighter funding, however Natural England are still taking on new applications.

A large area of Dorset falls within the Dorset Downs and Cranborne Chase ‘Target Area’ and there are still opportunities for those that fall outside of the this area.

Farmers and landowners considering entering into or renewing the agreements are urged to go ahead and do so, despite the uncertainty surrounding the ‘greening’ of the new CAP scheme.

DEFRA have pledged to “make sure that farmers who are thinking about entering or renewing agri-environment agreements could choose to opt out without penalty if they had to make changes to their agreements as a result of CAP greening.”

Jim Paice added: “We’ll do everything we possibly can to make sure farmers aren’t disadvantaged because of having been ahead of the game on environmental management.”

The Professional Department in your nearest Symonds & Sampson office would be pleased to offer you advice on any of the issues mentioned above and are able to assist with applications.

Further information from your local office of Symonds & Sampson or call Jess Saunters on 01258 472244.