| Further reform of CAP (part of Action Plan for Farming) |
8.2.4 |
The EU agreed to substantial reform of the CAP, breaking the link between subsidy and production, freeing farmers to become more market oriented and cutting bureaucracy, as well as reducing the environmental impact of farming, and channelling more funding to wider rural development goals. |
26 June 2003 |
 |
Defra – EUAC |
| Consultation on broad options for implementing the reforms in the UK. |
22 July –24 October 2003 |
Defra – EUAC |
| Further consultation on detailed implementation. |
Spring 2004 |
Defra – SAS |
| Decisions on implementation. |
Summer 2004 |
Defra – SAS |
| New system introduced. |
January 2005 |
Defra – SAS |
| Agreement paves the way for real progress in agricultural trade liberalisation as part of the WTO Doha trade round. |
January 2005 |
Defra – EUI |
| Commission proposals on reform of olive oil, tobacco and cotton sectors. Discussion document on sugar expected proposals in summer 04 |
End 2003 |
Defra - EUAC, ACP & HMI Divisions |
Agreement to reform of these other sectors happened on 22 April 2004.
Agreement on sugar may not happen until late 05. |
Spring 2004 |
| England Rural Development Programme |
8.2.5 |
Mid-term evaluation - Preliminary baseline study completed. |
Aug 2002 |
 |
Defra– LMRD |
| 2002 Annual report - Completed and sent to European Commission. |
July 2003 |
| Mid-term Evaluation Report approved by Steering Group and other relevant officials. Submitted to the Commission by e-mail and hard copy. |
Dec 2003 |
| Help for small and medium-sized abattoirs |
8.2.7 |
The meat inspection charges regime was amended as from April 2001 in line with the recommendations of the Meat Inspection Charges Task Force. |
April 2001 |
|
FSA |
| As a result, in the year 2001/2002, Government assistance on meat inspection costs amounted to some £20million, in 2002/2003 this amounted to approximately £25 million. |
2002-03 |
| Establish a government/industry Task Force to look at inputs into farming |
8.2.7 |
Task Force reported to Ministers |
March 2001 |
|
Defra- SAS & EUAC |
| Report published 9 May 2001 Task Force’s report was given as evidence to the Policy Commission on the Future of farming and Food to inform their deliberations. |
May 2001 |
| The Government response to the Policy Commission, published on 12 December 2002, includes action to promote collaborative activities within the industry, which is consistent with the report of the Task Force |
Dec 2002 |
| Set up joint government/industry studies on efficiencies in key sectors starting with the milk and dairy supply chain |
8.2.7 |
Task Force reported to Ministers
|
March 2001 |
|
Defra – MPEP |
| Report published 9 May 2001 Task Force’s report was given as evidence to the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food to inform their deliberations. |
May 2001 |
| Provide resources to offset EU reduction in support for the School Milk Scheme |
8.2.7 |
Defra, DH and DfES are providing £1.5m annually in England to offset the reduction in EU subsidy for school milk. |
|
|
Defra – MPEP |
| Abolish vehicle excise duty on tractors |
8.2.7 |
From 1 March 2001 |
March 2001 |
|
HMT / Defra-ARBR |
| Marketing grants through ERDP |
8.3.4 |
Number of businesses assisted in accordance with Annex (VII) of the ERDP |
end 2006 |
|
Defra – MCC |
| Tailored business advice to farmers, through Business Links (part of Action Plan for Farming) |
8.3.4 (7.6.2) |
Achieved - Continuation of service launched in October 2000, providing up to £36m of advice - Up to 15,000 farmershave been helped so far, with a further 2,845 farmers able to access the service during 2004/05 |
Ends March 2005 |
|
Defra- SRED (Skills and Rural Enterprise Division) |
| Just over 15,000 farmers have requested the service and over 15,000 have completed an action plan (figures provided include both the core and enhanced service), meeting the original RWP commitment. |
April 2004
|
|
| During 2004/05 SRED will be developing proposals to mainstream FBAS into the Business Link advice support paskage |
March 2004 |
| Hold a stakeholder seminar on e-business in the countryside |
8.3.4 |
e-Business Division has provided input to a number of non-Defra stakeholders. Individual e-business projects provide the main channel for Defra's external stakeholders, but a general e-business external stakeholder seminar will be held should the need arise. |
Ongoing |
|
Defra– ITD |
| Take forward the “Eat the View” programme, increasing awareness of links between food and the environment (part of the Action Plan for Farming – details on www.defra.gov.uk ) |
8.3.4 |
Helping 100 producers per year find new markets for sustainable local products.
Two pilot environmental quality mark schemes in the Cotswolds AONB and Peak District National Park now form part of Defra’s Research and Development Programme. |
Ongoing to Apr 05 |
|
Countryside Agency / Defra – AERF |
| Working with the new Farm Retail and Markets Association (FaRMA) to highlight good examples of how direct farm retailing is reconnecting the consumer to the countryside. |
04/05 |
| Successful completion of local procurement pilot project with the YHA in the Peak District. Helping YHA to roll out a local procurement strategy nationally. |
Jan 03 to Oct 03 |
Increase consumer awareness in partnership with other key organisations
Launched Eat the View website which was revamped and incorporated into the Countryside Agency’s main website in April 04. |
Apr 04 |
| Developing a woodland product component to the Eat the View initiative in partnership with the Forestry Commission. Initial research now underway. Successful woodland products workshops held in September 03 (YH) and April 04 (SW). |
Sept 03 |
| Local Food Works, a partnership project with the Soil Association fostering the development of local food networks with three Network Development Officers and an Information Service. Work Plans being implemented in each region. |
Jul 02 – Oct 04 |
| Market Towns ‘foodcheck’ being developed in conjunction with the Market Towns ‘health check’ in Bridport and Faringdon beacon towns |
Jul 03 - ongoing |
| Increase help through Organic Farming Scheme (under the ERDP) |
8.3.4 |
See entry under Chapter 10 (10.3.12), below |
|
|
Defra – OFIC |
| Promotion of speciality foods through ‘Food from Britain’ and direct selling to consumers |
8.3.4 |
Following a review FFB retain branding endorsement of the www.speciality-foods.com website but are no longer funding it. |
August 2002 |
|
Defra FCMC– AERF/
Countryside Agency |
| Assist establishment of further Farmers’ Markets - 400 by 2003 |
Achieved |
| Following the recommendations of the Curry Commission, Defra, working with a range of other key organisations, has drawn up a regional food strategy aimed at providing additional support for the added-value regional food sector. As such it forms one of the measures assisting farmers to add value, as set out in the SFF strategy. FFB, with an additional £1 million (for each of the next three years starting 1 April 2003) from Defra, are taking a lead role in England in implementing a national programme of regional food initiatives covering trade development, increasing competitiveness and raising consumer awareness. This will complement the substantial assistance to the sector by the RDAs who within their own regional food strategies are addressing issues relating to the availability of processing facilities and problems of distribution. |
December 2002
April 2003 |
| Set up code of practice to put relations between supermarkets and suppliers on a clearer basis |
8.3.6 |
Code of practice came into force 17 March 2002 |
March 2002 |
|
DTI / Defra – MCC |
| Introduce a National School Fruit Scheme |
8.3.6 |
From the end of 2004 every 4-6 year old in an LEA school in England will be entitled to a free piece of fruit every school day, that is 2 million children in around 16,300 primary schools. |
Winter 2004 |
|
Department of Health |
| £42 million of New Opportunities fund money has allowed the scheme to be extensively piloted. The scheme now covers five regions (London, West and East Midlands, North West and North East), bringing total coverage to over 1.1 million children in 8,500 schools. The Department of Health has allocated £77 million over the next two years to enable the scheme to become nationwide; and is piloting additional produce to include vegetables (eg, carrots) following favourable preliminary evaluation. |
| Pilot schemes to increase people’s access to fruit and vegetables |
8.3.6 |
Part of NHS Plan commitment to reduce early deaths from cancer and heart disease, by improving diet and nutrition. |
Started in 2000 |
|
Department of Health |
| Links between poor diet and health led to this issue being addressed, through the NSF’s on Coronary Heart Disease (2000) and Diabetes (2001), and the programme for action on health inequalities (2002). Evaluation results from 5 A DAY pilots published November 2002 –showed positive impact on intake, access and awareness of fruit and vegetables. New Opportunities Fund providing £10 million to set up 66 new PCT led local 5 A DAY initiatives in deprived areas during 2003. |
| The new initiatives will work in a variety of setting to increase consumption, by improving access and availability to fruit and vegetables for example setting up delivery schemes, and improving attitudes and awareness, through work with schools and community groups. |
| 5 A DAY logo launched March 2003 as part of a communications programme to increase awareness of the health benefits of fruit and vegetables, particularly targeting those with the lowest intakes. In particular the programme will provide clear and consistent messages about 5 A DAY. Over 275 organisations licensed by January 2004 including national supermarket chains. |
| Publish a free ‘New Directions’ Guide (part of Action Plan for Farming) |
8.4.2 |
Not progressed as approach to the guide was revised in view of FMD and creation of Defra. |
|
 |
Defra – RDD |
| In the light of the situation post Haskins Review and post CAP reform, we now need to re-visit the proposal for the guide with stakeholders to determine what form of guidance, if any, is now needed. |
Autumn 2004 |
| Rural Enterprise Scheme under ERDP |
8.4.2 |
Deliver targets (projects assisted) in accordance with Annex (VII) of the ERDP |
End 2006 |
|
Defra – RDD |
| Free consultancy advice on planning available to farmers under the RES (part of Action Plan for Farming) |
8.4.6 |
Defra’s Planning Consultancy Advice scheme was launched. RWP Commitment Achieved. |
Sept 2001 |
|
Defra – RDD |
| Take up under the scheme exceeded expectations. The scheme was continued for 2003/04 and the budget has been fully allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. An evaluation of the scheme is underway and will report to Ministers on options for future support. |
|
| Issue a planning policy statement to clarify the positive approach we want from local planning authorities towards farm diversification proposals (takes forward commitment in the Action Plan for Farming). |
8.4.6 |
Issued clarification of planning policy guidance on the Countryside (PPG7)
(See also entry under Chapter 9 (9.2.4), below)
Action Complete |
March 2001 |
|
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister / PD1 |
| Revise planning policy guidance on Transport (PPG13) to clarify framework for considering transport implications of rural development (takes forward commitment in the Action Plan for Farming) |
8.4.6 |
Revised guidance published, including advice on treatment of farm diversification proposals.
Action complete |
March 2001 |
|
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister / PD1 |
| Fact finding research on how local planning authorities deal with farmers and proposals for diversification (takes forward commitment in the Action Plan for Farming) |
8.4.6 |
Report published; copy sent to all relevant local planning authorities.
Action complete |
October 2001 |
|
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister – PD1 |
| Publish revised Farmers Guide to the Planning System |
8.4.6 |
Updated guide published.
Action Complete |
July 2002 |
|
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister – PD1 |
| Extending Redundant Building Grant Scheme (support for 2000-01 in Action Plan for Farming) |
8.4.6 |
Achieved - Additional £4m for farmers to extend to 2002-03 |
March 2003 |
|
RDAs |
| Time limited rate relief for farmers diversifying into non-farming activities (takes forward commitment in the Action Plan for Farming) |
8.4.7 |
Achieved - diversification relief provisions of the Rating (Former Agricultural Premises and Rural Shops) Act 2001 brought into force. |
August 2001 |
|
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister – LGF2 |
| Extend agricultural exemption from rates to a range of flexible farming business arrangements |
8.4.7 |
All Achieved - Consultation paper issued |
Feb 2001
|
|
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister |
| Decision to extend exemption announced in White Paper “Strong Local Leadership: Quality Local Services” |
Dec 2001 |
| Legislation is required, but provisions for the extension were included in the draft Local Government Bill which is currently out for consultation. |
Present |
| Create new Government/Industry Non-Food Crops Forum to give strategic advice on developing non-food applications of crops |
8.4.8 |
Forum established. |
2001 |
|
Defra –OFIC |
| Series of case studies undertaken - see details on website |
|
| Publish Annual Report |
Sept 2002 |
| Encourage take-up of new Energy Crops Scheme, Woodland Grant Scheme and Farm Woodland Premium Scheme under ERDP |
8.4.8 |
Deliver targets (area planted/businesses assisted) in accordance with Annex (VII) of the ERDP |
End 2006 |
|
Defra |
| Increase numbers of overseas students allowed to work on UK farms in the summer |
8.5.3 |
Increase annual quota from 15,200 to 18,700. The SAWS quota for 2003 has been increased to 25,000 places. |
Implemented for 2002 |
|
HO |
| Ensure the review of UKROFS includes in its scope an examination of the regulators role in setting standards for organic produce |
8.5.3 |
Commitment met, and UKROFS now replaced by Advisory Committee on Organic Standards (ACOS) w.e.f 1 November 2003. |
1 November 2003 |
|
Defra – OFIC |
| Produce specific proposals to integrate on-farm inspections |
8.5.3 |
With effect from 2002, RPA has combined subsidy and cattle identification inspections and has, with effect from 2003, also combined a proportion of IACS forage land inspections with Hill Farm Allowance inspections. In 2004, efforts are being made to combine IACS and ERDP inspections where possible. As a result, individual farmers are now receiving fewer inspection visits |
May 2002 |
|
Defra – AIIT / RPA |
| Introduce electronic data transfer in the Cattle Tracing System (CTS) |
8.5.3 |
The CTS Online system was launched in Feb 2001.
It is proving very popular, with over 25,000 keepers using it to notify British Cattle Movement Service of cattle births and movements.
More than 30% of all birth notifications are now received via CTS Online. Development is continuing as part of the project to migrate CTS to an improved and upgraded system. |
Feb 2001 |
|
Defra – LID |
| Maintain pressure for early EU agreement on modernisation of food hygiene controls (part of Action Plan for Farming) |
8.5.4 |
The texts of the hygiene measures were finally adopted through a written procedure on April 16 2004. The texts will now be sent to the President of the Council and to the President of the Parliament for signature. The legislation will enter into force 20 days after the date of publication in the EU Official Journal and will apply in all EU Member States as from 1 January 2006.
On balance, the legislation as adopted represents a considerable improvement on the current position. The key UK negotiating aims were satisfactorily achieved.
The FSA is currently consulting stakeholders throughout the UK with regard to the policy of national rules as provided for in the EU legislation. This closes on 9th June 2004. |
April 2004 |
|
FSA |
| Independent Task Force to examine the burdens of food regulations on small food businesses. |
8.5.4 |
FSA, and the Small Business Service (DTI) are providing an additional back-up service on regulatory information for small food businesses to Defra’s Regional Technology Transfer Centres. This is for an initial period of two years, when it will be reviewed. |
May 2003 |
|
FSA / SBS/ DTI |
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- revised