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Realistic, achievable and a valuable opportunity for farmers. That, in a nutshell, describes the Entry Level Stewardship Scheme launched this week. It, and similar schemes to enhance the

environment coming soon in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, will enable producers to claw back much of their single farm payment cash deducted through modulation. It will bring further

benefits for wildlife – and a vital PR boost for farmers. It”s an invaluable defence against a possible backlash from the public who could, mistakenly, perceive they are paying farmers for

nothing now support payments are decoupled from production. Crucially, the scheme is practical. DEFRA has listened to the industry and devised a scheme that is achievable by most English

farmers. Refreshingly, ELS is not a lawyers” or consultants” charter. Free clinics, workshops and on-line tools will help farmers gain the points they need to secure the payments. At 30/ha,

few can afford to ignore those payments. They represent a much-needed cash boost – a 400ha farm, for example, can reclaim 60,000 over five years. It will pay to apply early. Doing so by the

end of May should ensure a first payment in February next year – provided, as assured, the Rural Payments Agency can cope. That will provide valuable cash if SFP cheques are delayed. There

is also a question mark over future funding if applications exceed DEFRA”s target of 70% of farmers. One snag is that some farms are still waiting for digital maps they need to apply. The

RPA must act quickly to get these to farmers. The ELS marks a new era. Farming the environment, as well as food, is now an integral part of the job. But, so far at least, not as onerous as

some may have feared. Pages 6, 22, 44, 58 & 68