Annex 3 Summary of ms assessments
Download 257.38 Kb.
|
- Navigate this page:
- Northern Ireland
- Scotland
United KingdomIn the UK four Rural Development programmes exist, they are addressed separately in this assessment. EnglandGeneral overview of the situation in Rural Areas in the MS In England cereal crops predominate arable farming and there has been a steady decline in dairy cow numbers since 1990. Organic farming is carried out on 4.3% of the utilised agricultural area (UAA), mainly in the SW of England. Irrigation is used predominantly in East Anglia. The Rural Development Programme in England aims to enhance opportunity in rural areas in a way that harnesses and builds upon environmental quality. Overall, England’s agricultural productivity is relatively high by comparison with other Member States and agricultural assets are generally increasing in value. However, agricultural incomes are vulnerable to external influences, particularly exchange rate movements. Environmental issues are primarily addressed in terms improving the efficient use of natural resources – particularly in the reduction of greenhouse gases. There are specific environmental problems in relation to biodiversity, resource protection, and landscape. There are smaller scale but also significant problems, in relation to land marginalisation and provision of access. Protecting natural resources and adapting farm methods to enhance resource protection are related to water resource and water quality problems. There is not a general statement concerning intensification in the England RDP. There is a however a trend for the simplification of farm systems and larger farm sizes. Dairy cow populations continue to decline and conversions to organic farming indicate less intensive agriculture. There are also problems of land abandonment in Less Favoured Areas – upland and moorland areas in the NW (Cumbria) and SW (Cornwall).
The most important Axis under the England RDP budget is Axis 2 (81%), followed by Axis 1 (9%). The remaining budget is allocated to Axis 3. Axis 3 pays special attention to rural economic underperformance and disadvantages in rural areas. There is some sectoral targeting such as, diversifying farmers’ businesses, promoting tourism and stimulating micro-business growth. Water is relevant to all three Axes. Monitoring, control and review Monitoring is based on the indicators set by the European Commission in the Common Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (CMEF). There are a number of additional indicators to the CMEF defined in Axis 2, reflecting the high priority given to environmental land management. However, there are no additional indicators specified for water issues. Main strengths and weakness of the RD programme with regards to water Water is mentioned several times in the RD Programme as an important issue and several measures have been set up under all Axes to bring improvements. Support for water issues is also found in all three Axes. There are explicit references to the Water Framework Directive (WFD) in the Farm infrastructure improvement (RD-code 125) and agri-environmental payments (RD-code 214). The water issues covered include improving infrastructure for water resources, water management (RD-code 214), reducing diffuse pollution (RD-code 214) and alleviating the risk of flooding. Key RD measures directly related to water and to the Water Framework Directive are: Vocational training and information actions (RD-code 111); Infrastructure related to the development and adaptation of agriculture and forestry (RD-code 125); and Agri-environmental payments (RD-code 214). However, measures to support infrastructure developments to improve existing irrigation and drainage networks may result in agricultural intensification (more water, more fertiliser and more energy use) and it remains unclear whether this is accounted for in the Programme of Measures for the relevant River Basin Districts in the WFD. In addition, the extraction of water from surface and groundwater, as well as using public water supplies, can exacerbate water shortages. Furthermore, hydro- morphological changes due to agriculture are not addressed in the RD programme at all.
Water is an important issue in the England RD programme and is an integral component of all three Axes. Although the WFD is referred to explicitly or indirectly in a number of measures it is not clear what synergies are planned or expected to be made between the RD measures and the Programme of Measures in the WFD. One could expect additional indicators to the CMEF to be included for certain water issues that are known to be critical in some regions. Measures to improve irrigation and drainage networks may result in agricultural intensification, so additional indicators may be appropriate. Northern IrelandGeneral overview of the situation in Rural Areas in the MS The Northern Ireland RDP’s overall aim is to “diversify the rural economy, protect the rural environment and sustain rural communities.” Northern Ireland has a predominantly grass-based agriculture: 87% of farms have cattle, 32% of farms have sheep, 2% of farms have pigs, and only 11% of farms have cereals (2005). The livestock density rates did not alter significantly between 1989 and 2004, yet the productivity of dairy cows increased by 35% in terms of average milk yield per cow. The uptake under the Organic Farming Scheme has been much lower than originally predicted when the Scheme was launched in 2001. Land under organic management in Northern Ireland represented only 0.62% of the UAA in 2004. The corresponding figure for UK was 4.3% of UAA. In Northern Ireland many watercourses have been physically altered by drainage schemes, water abstraction, impoundment to create reservoirs, navigation, fisheries management and fish farming. The lowering of water levels in the largest lakes has had an adverse impact on the biodiversity of such sites and eutrophication continues to be a problem in Northern Ireland’s waters. Economic forces have driven the intensification of agriculture. The average farm size increased from 28.21 ha in 1995 to 38.04 ha in 2006, while the number of farm businesses fell from 33,000 in 1995 to 27,000 in 2005. This process of intensification has led to a net loss of habitats, and a decline in biodiversity and landscape. Share of public budget among the three axes The most important Axis under the RDP budget is Axis 2 (58%), followed by Axis 4/LEADER (31%). Water is only relevant to Axis 2 and Axis 3. Agri-environmental payments (RD-Code 214) are the principle tool for tackling water management problems – principally under the Northern Ireland Countryside Management Scheme (NICMS). This scheme sets out to assist in the implementation of the Water Framework Directive. A complementary measure is the Conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage (RD-Code 323), which provides support for the proper stewardship of environmental resources, which includes, among other things, the achievement of good quality air and water. Monitoring, control and review Monitoring and evaluation take account of the guidance contained in the Commission’s Common Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (CMEF) and monitors progress against the common indicators relating to the baseline situation as well as the inputs, outputs, results and impacts of the programme. The common indicators are to be supplemented, where relevant, with additional indicators specific to the Northern Ireland programme. However, no additional indicators have been specified. Main strengths and weakness of the RD programme as regards to water There are explicit references to the WFD in Agri-environmental payments (RD-code 214) and Conservation of the rural heritage (RD-code 323). Under Agri-environmental payments there are water relevant measures to support: environmental services from the farming sector; agricultural production methods that protect and improve the environment; and, methods to protect and improve the quality of rivers and lakes. However, support for water issues is only found directly in Axis 2. Measures are also principally concerned with water quality, with no measures to tackle hydro-morphological issues. There is recognition that the water extraction rates from the lakes and rivers is not sustainable, but there are no measures specified to address this – nor are there supportive measures yet to prevent flooding, although it is indicated as an issue in relation to climate change adaptation. The uptake under the Organic Farming Scheme has been much lower than originally predicted (still less than 1% of UAA), and measures will be needed to support this.
Water issues are clearly of concern in the Northern Ireland RD programme, and there are explicit references to the WFD in Agri-environmental payments (RD-code 214) and Conservation of the rural heritage (RD-code 323). The main focus is on water quality with concerns on the continued eutrophication problems in lakes, rivers and coastal waters. However, other issues of relevance such as hydro-morphological problems, flooding, and water abstraction rates from lakes and rivers also need to be addressed. ScotlandGeneral overview of the situation in Rural Areas in the MS In Scotland most of the agricultural land is for rough grazing, and 85% is classified as Less Favoured Area. The area of land used for crops, fallow and set-aside represents only about 10% of the total agricultural area. The Scotland RDP aims to improve business viability, enhance biodiversity and landscape, improve water quality, tackle climate change and promote thriving rural communities. Agricultural intensification, including drainage, has played a role (along with afforestation and peat extraction) in the decline of bog areas across the UK during the last 100 years – and in Scotland there are specific measures to conserve bog areas. These occur primarily in the Highlands and Islands. The statistical information about organic farming is provided at the UK and not the regional level. In the UK organic farming represents 4.3% of agricultural land. Although the baseline area for organic farming in Scotland is not given, one of the agri-environmental measures’ objectives is to reach 270,800 hectares. Share of public budget among the three axes The largest budget is assigned to Axis 2 (69%), followed by Axis 1 (14%). The remaining budget is allocated to Axis 3. Under Axis 3 the Scotland RD Programme encourages private enterprise and entrepreneurship by improving services and infrastructure at a local level. Water issues are mentioned in a number of measures across Axes I, II and III. Monitoring, control and review Monitoring and evaluation will enable regular assessment of progress in achieving efficient and effective delivery of outcomes through the 2007-13 SRDP. Arrangements for monitoring and evaluation will utilise the European Commission’s Common Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (CMEF). Progress will be assessed against the EU-wide common set of indicators in the CMEF, including those relating to the baseline situation as well as to inputs, outputs, results and impacts of the Programme. In addition, use will be made of additional indicators that relate to specific objectives of the SRDP. An additional indicator related to water is a results indicator to monitor the use of pesticides and fertilisers (for RD-Code 214). Main strengths and weakness of the RD programme as regards to water There is an explicit link with the Water Framework in a number of RD measures – and water issues are mentioned in a number of other measures across Axes 1, 2, and 3. There are explicit references to the WFD in the Use of farm and forestry advisory services (RD-code 114), Modernisation of agricultural holdings (RD-code 121), Infrastructure related to the development and adaptation of agriculture and forestry (RD-code 125) and First afforestation of agricultural land (RD-code 221). Ways to improve water quality include measures to reduce water pollution, and protect soil quality, and achieve effective management of water resources through, for example, the reversion of arable land to unfertilised grassland, and the construction of farm wetlands to help treat low-level contaminated water. There is acknowledgement that some 30% of rivers in Scotland are at risk of not reaching the water quality objectives of the WFD. There are also a broad range of measures to improve hydro-morphological features and increase conversions to organic farming. However it is not clear whether there is a geographic targeting of measures to improve water quality in vulnerable areas.
Water is clearly an important issue in the Scotland RD programme. It refers explicitly to the WFD, and acknowledges that some 30% of rivers in Scotland are at risk of not reaching the water quality objectives of the WFD. Water issues are mentioned in the three Axes and a broad range of water related measures are supported that are likely to be complementary to the WFD’s Programme of Measures. An additional water related indicator is specified that goes beyond the EU-wide common set of indicators in the CMEF. A clearer indication of the geographic targeting of measures would help to see whether measures will support farmers in vulnerable areas. WalesGeneral overview of the situation in Rural Areas in the MS Wales relies predominantly on livestock farming, with grasslands accounting for more than 80% of the agricultural land use. There has been a downward trend in the livestock population in England. The share of agricultural land farmed organically increased significantly from 0.3% in 1999 to 5% in 2006. Given that the environment, in its broadest interpretation, underpins everything that is done in Wales and that the countryside of Wales is a key tourist attraction, it is essential to protect its biodiversity and habitat profile by improving and increasing activity on land management. There is significant emphasis on measures to encourage actions that increase environmental sustainability including further development of farmer participation in agri-environmental schemes and the continued development of support for forestry measures. There is also interest in the development and promotion of landscape-scale and ecosystem approaches to environmental issues. There is no general statement concerning intensification in the RDP. Livestock numbers have generally declined and there are also problems of land abandonment in Less Favored Areas – upland areas in the Northern and Central areas of Wales.
The most important Axis under the Wales RDP budget is Axis 2 (73%), followed by Axis 1 (12%). Water is only relevant to Axis 2. The remaining budget is allocated to Axis 3. Axis 3 supports measures to address major threats of out-migration, inadequate investment, deprivation, social exclusion and low-incomes. Monitoring, control and review Monitoring and evaluation takes account of the guidance contained in the Commission’s Common Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (CMEF) and monitors progress against the common indicators relating to the baseline situation as well as the inputs, outputs, results and impacts of the programme. The common indicators are to be supplemented, where relevant, with additional indicators specific to the Wales RD programme. However, no additional indicators have been specified. Main strengths and weakness of the RD programme as regards to water Water is mentioned several times in the RD Programme as an important issue among many other environmental issues. But funding to support water issues only comes from Axis 2. There are explicit references to the WFD in the Agri-environmental payments measure (RD-214). Measures are specified that support the reduction of a range of diffuse pollutants (phosphates, sediment, faecal pathogens and sheep dip pesticides). A targeted approach is adopted for measures to reduce diffuse pollutants from agriculture – which indicates that these measures are directed at the most vulnerable catchments. In addition, trained personnel from the control authority will provide guidance to farmers in tailoring measures to deal with particular diffuse pollution needs. There is also an indirect link between measures to promote afforestation and measures directed at improving water quality (RD-Code 221 and 223). Managing flood risks and looking at the possibility to have top tier schemes to support flood prevention measures are also part of Axis 2. Conclusions and options for further improvements of the RD as regards to water Water is clearly an important issue in the Wales RD programme, although it is only addressed in Axis 2. There are explicit references to the WFD in the Agri-environmental payments measure (RD-214). Measures are specified that support the reduction of a range of diffuse pollutants (phosphates, sediment, faecal pathogens and sheep dip pesticides). There is a targeted approach adopted for measures to reduce diffuse pollutants from agriculture – which indicates that these measures are directed at the most vulnerable catchments. Managing flood risks and looking at the possibility to have top tier schemes to support flood prevention measures are also part of Axis 2. The use of demonstration projects adopted by the Wales RD programme to develop, test and evaluate environmental issues in contrasting areas catchment sensitive farming measures would seem a good approach to fine tune and target measures to obtain the best impacts for concerns such as water quality and flood risks. -- Directory: workspace -> SpacesStore workspace -> Curriculum vitae richard anderson SpacesStore -> Polish position regarding the 7th Framework Programme of the eu executive Summary workspace -> Full list ic/hep thesis =paper copy of thesis not available workspace -> Executive Summary Introduction workspace -> Review of trends and the challenges of monitoring progress workspace -> Rda and marc 21: a discussion Paper Download 257.38 Kb. Share with your friends:
|