MEDWAY AGRICULTURE RESEARCH PROJECT Kent & Sussex FWAG Kent Office: Coldharbour Farm, Wye, Ashford, Kent TN25 5DB telephone 01233 813186 www.fwag.org.uk
[email protected] MEDWAY AGRICULTURE RESEARCH PROJECT Contents Page SUMMARY 555 1. INTRODUCTION 666 1.1 Introduction 6 1.2 Background to study 6 1.3 Approach to study 7 1.4 General description of study area 7 1.5 Farming in the study area - an overview 8 1.6 Acknowledgements 999 2. INFORMATION STUDY 101010 2.1 Farming background ––– national 101010 2.1.1Overview 10 2.1.2 Relevant 2009 key figures and trends for England 10 2.1.3 Agricultural support 11 2.1.4 Agricultural economics 13 2.1.5 Input prices 14 2.1.6 The horticulture sector 15 2.2 Recent changes and developments / impacts 171717 2.2.1 Overview 17 2.2.2 Bluetongue in Kent 17 2.2.3 Foot and Mouth Disease in Kent (FMD) 17 2.2.4 Waste Regulations 18 2.2.5 Cross-compliance 19 2.2.6 Catchment Sensitive Farming 19 2.2.7 Nitrate Vulnerable Zones 20 2.2.8 Climate change 22 2.3 PolicyPolicy,,,, incentives andandand opportunities 252525 2.3.1 Overview 25 2.3.2 CAP reform and Single Payment Scheme 25 2.3.3 Environmental Stewardship (agri-environment schemes) 26 2.3.4 England Woodland Grant Scheme 27 2.3.5 Campaign for the Farmed Environment (CFE) 28 2.3.6 RDPE / Leader 29 2.3.7 Market led initiatives 32 2.3.8 Direct marketing 33 2.4 Farming background ––– regional 343434 2 2.4.1 Overview 34 2.4 2 Pressures and opportunities 34 2.4.3 Land use and farming sectors 34 2.4.4 Designated areas 35 2.5 Farming background ––– Kent area 373737