Fears that land taken out of agricultural production will remain permanently uncultivated could deter Essex farmers from entering environmental schemes.
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA), a rural business and landowners pressure group has made the claim.
Jonathan Douglas-Hughes, CLA's Essex chairman, made the warning at a recent conference on the future of farming in Essex.
Speaking at 'Essex Farming, the Way Ahead', organised by the Council for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE), Mr Douglas-Hughes said environment schemes needed to be adjusted to encourage farmers to participate.
He also called for greater resources to enable farmers to act environmentally while still continuing cropping.
Mr Douglas-Hughes endorsed arable stewardship, piloted in north Essex, which pays farmers to pursue farming practices which benefit the environment such as reducing the use of sprays and fertilisers and leaving the land in stubble over the winter.
He also called for a switch of funds from production to land management across the whole of Europe to maintain competitiveness.
Published Monday, March 18, 2002
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article