Paice: Benn’s set-aside target is too simplistic
9 July 2009
Commenting on the Government’s announcement on set-aside today, Shadow Agriculture Minister, Jim Paice said:
“The Government has again shown how little it really understands the countryside. Whilst making the right decision to adopt the voluntary approach Hilary Benn has capitulated to those who think success can be measured in acres. If we want to increase biodiversity then we should measure indicator species of birds, mammals and insects. A Conservative Government will not be bound by this decision but will seek agreement on genuine biodiversity indicators to be achieved in a sensible timescale coupled with payments to reflect success. Farmers need long-term certainty - setting crude targets for 2012 does not provide that.”