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Spending Review
MAFF's aim is:
Objective I: to protect public health in relation to farm produce and to animal diseases transmissible to humans.
1. Reduce the annual incidence of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) to less than 650 cases by 2001 and by 2004 be on track for fewer than 30 cases by 2006, a 99% reduction compared with 1997 when there were 4,312 cases.
Objective II: to sustain and enhance the rural and marine environments and public enjoyment of the amenities they provide and to promote forestry.
2. Care for our living heritage and preserve natural diversity by reversing the long term decline in the number of farmland birds by 2020, as measured annually against underlying trends.
Objective III: to secure a more economically rational Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) which gives a better deal to consumers and taxpayers and pays due regard to the needs of the environment.
3. Secure agreement by March 2004 to reforms which reduce the cost of the CAP to consumers and taxpayers.
Objective IV: to encourage the development of modern, efficient agriculture, fisheries and food industries which are internationally competitive and responsive to consumers' requirements.
4. Achieve the agriculture strategy, the modernisation of agriculture, and an increase in the competitiveness and consumer focus of the food chain as measured by the real food price index and sustainable competitiveness indicators to be developed by March 2001.
Objective V: to promote strong and sustainable rural and coastal communities through broadening economic opportunity and enhancing social development.
5. Deliver the environmental and economic benefits envisaged in the England Rural Development Plan by 2004 including an increase in the area farmed organically and development of the rural economy under the new Rural Enterprise Scheme. (also contributes to Objective II)
Objective VI: to administer payments under the CAP fairly and in accordance with European Union (EU) requirements.
6. Achieve a reduction of 10% in the unit cost of administering CAP payments by March 2004, and 95% electronic service delivery capability for such payments by March 2004 (this is also the value for money target)
Objective VII: to conserve fish stocks for future generations and secure a sustainable future for the sea fishing industry.
7. Reduce UK fishing effort in those sectors of the fleet with most overcapacity to 20% below the 1997 level by end-2001. A further target reduction for 2004 will be set following EU negotiations in 2001.
Objective VIII: to ensure that farmed animals and fish are protected by high welfare standards and do not suffer unnecessary pain or distress.
8. Reduce the time taken to clear up cases of poor welfare in farmed animals by 5% by March 2004.
Objective IX: to reduce risks to people and the developed and natural environment from flooding and coastal erosion.
Objective X: to safeguard the continuing availability to the consumer of adequate supplies of wholesome, varied and reasonably priced food and drink.
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is responsible for the delivery of this PSA.
Targets 2 and 5 contribute to the Government's rural and countryside objectives. The Minister shares responsibility for the delivery of these objectives with the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport, and the Regions.
