National Implementation Group (NIG)
Sir Don Curry Visit 2006
For an archived summary of Sir Don Curry's Visit in 2006 to the South West click here
National Activity - June 2005
The National Implementation Group is due to disband at the end of 2005. Jeremy Pope visited the region in April to discuss progress and what support will be available from Defra once the NIG disbands.
Sir Don Curry met with the Farming and Food Futures Group on 11th October 2005.
National Activity – May 04
Sir Don Curry reported that 90 of the recommendations from the Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food were being implemented, these included areas such as English Food and Farming Partnerships, the Food Chain Centre and Assured Food Standards. There was also the Non-food crops centre, Demonstration Farms and the Entry Level Scheme (ELS) pilot.
The ELS pilot being rolled out in 2005 is beginning to build the foundation of the changed agenda. The CAP reform changes that this brings about are substantial and the farming community must be ready for change.
Three main areas of concentration during 2004 included:
- Developing the 'Fresh Start Scheme' (more information) in conjunction with the Cornwall Agricultural Council's Development Team
- Making nutrition strategy links with the food chain and working with the Department of Health / Health Action Plan
- The third and more challenging area is the code of practice, working with retailers to develop better relationships.
Government has the challenge of putting the infrastructure in place, for example at the Rural Payments Agency for the Single Farm Payment and also Genesis for agri-environment schemes. There is also the Hill Farm appraisal software. The NIG are monitoring Defra’s ability to manage this.
Last Updated 4/12/06