Transition to the next Rural Development programme 2014 - 2020
Environmental Stewardship (ES), Countryside Stewardship (CSS) and Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) agreements that continue into 2014 and beyond.
On 12th December 2011, Defra issued a press release 'Views sought on CAP reform'
which states: "We strongly believe that stewardship schemes are the best way to get better environmental protection from the CAP, but if changes have to be made to them, at the very least farmers would be able to opt out."
Defra Q&A on RDPE Transition: (237kb)
(revised February 2012)
It clarifies some recent developments in the legal requirements under which these agreements operate. It also underlines that they may be affected by CAP greening or other possible changes which may emerge from the European Commission.
All current agreements, and those starting before 1 January 2012, can carry on beyond 2013 unchanged.
ELS/OELS/Uplands ELS agreements starting on or after 1 January 2012 will have to be adjusted to fit any new legal requirements of the next Rural Development regulation. Penalties will not be applied if changes are unacceptable (conditions yet to be defined).
HLS agreements (including any underlying ELS/OELS/Uplands ELS) starting on or after 1 January 2012 are not affected.
2011 renewals/applications will not be affected, provided agreements start before 1 January 2012.
Further changes (not yet known) to some or all agreements may be required following CAP greening measures/changes to cross compliance.
