§ 21. Mr. Kenneth CarlisleTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans she has to make changes to the current set-aside arrangements in order to make the system more sympathetic to wildlife; and if she will make a statement.
364W
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardFor 1994 we have modified the management conditions for set-aside to make the system more sympathetic to wildlife.
In addition, the introduction of non-rotational set-aside will provide new opportunities for farmers to manage their land positively for conservation benefits, for example, to create wildlife corridors or "green veins" throughout the countryside, to provide habitats for birds.
The recent agreement at the December Council will permit member states to allow farmers to transfer their set-aside obligations to other farmers in areas where additional set-aside will bring environmental benefits.
Once detailed EC rules for transfers have been adopted, I shall be considering whether to introduce appropriate arrangements in the United Kingdom for 1995.