04/05/2005 SPS AND ELS - HOT TOPICS AT GRASSLAND 2005!
With application deadlines for the Single Farm Payment Scheme and the new Entry Level Stewardship Scheme due in May, both schemes are bound to be hot topics at this year’s Grassland 2005. The event, organised by the Royal Agricultural Society of England, will be held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 18/19 May.
While the working demonstrations remain a key element of the event, with 46 equipment operators present across the 170-acre site and many machines on show for the first time in the UK, experts and advisers will also be on hand to discuss the implications of the new measures on farm businesses.
“The economics of grass production are changing,” says Kemira GrowHow adviser Mike Sheppard. “Grass is no longer just a cheap source of energy for livestock. Grow it in a way which meets cross compliance and farmers will safeguard their Single Farm Payment. Grow it in a system that meets the right environmental objectives, and it will earn income from stewardship schemes. We can help farmers understand the implications of these changes on their farms.”
Profitable Grassland Forum
A series of seminars will also tackle the key issues facing
grassland farmers within the new and evolving industry. These will
run from 11am to 2pm each day at the Kemira GrowHow Forum Centre,
and everyone is welcome.
Leaf’s chief executive Caroline Drummond will be explaining why, with the radical changes in payments and expectations, grassland farmers should go out now and show the public ‘what we are doing and why’.
During the past year, 1000 farmers have participated in Leaf’s ‘Speak Out’ programme, which aims to improve communication techniques, and helps build bridges with customers, showing them why British farming is best. At Grassland 2005, Ms Drummond will be showing a new film on ‘doing it right’, as well as launching a new ‘Speak Out’ initiative.
Dr George Fisher of event partners Kemira GrowHow, will be discussing the future for dairying in Europe. He believes that as support changes from production to land care under SFP, farmers will have to make fundamental changes to the way they run their businesses. There is a bright future, he says, for those that are technically efficient, add value and plan ahead.
The closing date for the first batch of applications for the Entry Level Stewardship Scheme (ELS) is May 31, so this is perfect timing for the third forum speaker, Defra’s Victoria Plain, to outline the scheme options and discuss the practical possibilities for a typical dairy farm.
She will also encourage visitors to look at the on-site examples, which will demonstrate many of the features that can earn ELS points. This will highlight how easy it will be for producers to participate in, and benefit from, the new scheme.
Grass Advice Centre
As well as the seminars, farmers will be able to seek advice on all
the latest issues at the Grass Advice Centre, where exhibitors have
been grouped to provide an easily accessible one-stop shop for
information on grass related topics. Organisations such as FWAG,
ADAS, Organic Farmers and Growers, the Maize Growers Association and
the Tenant Farmers Association will be present.
BASIS points
Grassland 2005 is registered with BASIS and registered members can
accrue two CPD points for each day they attend.
More than 12,500 visitors are expected to come to Grassland 2005, and the site will be open from 8am to 6pm on 18 May and 8am to 5pm on 19 May. Entry on the day will cost £12.
ENDS
For more information and photographs of forum speakers contact
Karen Wright, 01832 734755
karen@karenwrightpr.com
Grassland 2005, incorporating Muck, is organised and presented by the Royal Agricultural Society of England, in partnership with Kemira GrowHow.
Further details of Grassland 2005 are available on the event website www.grasslandevent.co.uk
