Observatory Research - published

Further monitoring of uncropped land

As part of the ongoing monitoring of uncropped land following the introduction of 0% set-aside rate in 2007/08 the work investigates how much land farmers left out of production in 2007-08 and how much they are planning to leave uncropped in 2008-09. The report uses data from the Single Payment Scheme database and includes analysis of a telephone survey conducted in November 2008.

Results published 4 February 2009

Impact of zero set-aside on farmland birds

One of the studies carried out by the British Trust for Ornithology provides data on changes in winter bird numbers as a result of loss of rotational set-aside stubbles and to a lesser extent, permanent set-aside. This was based on re-surveys at regional and national level.

Following peer review additional analysis on the mitigation measures needed to compensate for the loss of set-aside is underway. These results are expected in March 2009.

Results from the study on the winter ecology and distribution of farmland birds published 28 January 2009

Quantifying the water quality impacts of zero percent set-aside

This study, conducted by ADAS and managed by the Environment Agency, contributes to the programme of environmental monitoring of farmland to enable the assessment of what was happening on the ground. The project quantifies the impacts of zero per cent set-aside on water quality (N, P and sediment).

Results published 15 January 2009

Botanical Survey

The Central Science Laboratory was commissioned to undertake a study on management of set-aside land and botanical diversity. The project looks to provide a more accurate assessment of the wildlife value of such land. The fieldwork provides an audit of habitats that have developed on set-aside areas that remain uncultivated, establishing a baseline against which to evaluate the potential impact of further changes in agricultural policy. It also provides information on the impact of the GAEC 14 regulations on biodiversity.

Results published 8 August 2008

2008 Farm Practices Survey

This survey, conducted in March 2008, asked respondents about longer term intentions assuming the zero-rate continues. The results indicate that 46% of holdings intend to retain roughly the same amount of uncropped land in the future. A further 19% intend to leave less uncropped, whilst 32% do not intend to have any uncropped land. The survey also asked about the factors influencing this decision and the types of uncropped land that farmers intend to retain.

Results published 19th June 2008

December Survey of Agriculture

At the request of the Observatory a question was added to the 2007 December Survey of Agriculture asking farmers how much arable land they proposed to leave uncropped. Results have now been published and suggest that the overall percentage decline in uncropped land compared to 2006-07 will be around 40%. This is somewhat lower than the figure of just over 50% suggested by the FBS telephone survey, though still within the same broad order of magnitude. The Observatory will be conducting further analyses to explore the reasons for this difference.

Results published 13 March 2008

Telephone survey of Farm Business Survey participants

This report provides results from a telephone survey of Farm Business Survey participants conducted in November and December 2007 to determine changes in areas set aside between 2006/07 and 2007/08. The analysis provides results subdivided into rotational and non-rotational set-aside and (for 2007/08) the cover type.

Report published 30 January 2008

Further development of published project on set-aside

This project updates the set-aside report published in February 2006 by using 2006 June Survey data and information from the Single Payment Scheme to further analyse the changes in set aside and bare fallow.  The project also looks at the uptake of relevant options in the Entry Level Environmental Stewardship scheme, in order to see whether it has the potential to deliver some of the benefits previously provided by set-aside.

Draft results published June 2007

Environmental impacts of changes in set-aside and fallow in June Survey 2005

This project analyses the changes in set-aside and bare fallow following the introduction of the Single Payment Scheme. Set-aside and bare fallow need to be considered together because changes in the set-aside rules are likely to have led to some land previously recorded as set-aside now being recorded as fallow, despite the management remaining similar. The project examines changes in both the national area and local distribution of these crops and highlight any environmental implications.

Results published 28 February 2006

Other published research

The following projects provide have also been carried out on set-aside although they are not formally part of the current monitoring programme.

Environmental benefits of set-aside (Feb 2008)

This project was commissioned to produce a summary of the environmental benefits that have been produced by set-aside in the EU, based on existing data and studies.

Report by IEEP

Future options for set-aside (Feb 2006)

This research examines the implications of changes in policy since 2001 and explores potential policy options for the future.

Report by University of Cambridge

Retaining the environmental benefits of set-aside, a policy options paper (Mar 2007)

This report was commissioned to produce a summary of the environmental benefits that have been produced by set-aside in the EU, based on existing data and studies.

Report by Cumulus Consultants Ltd for the Land Use Policy Group

There is also a programme of commissioned research.

Contact

You can email the Observatory Programme Team at: observatory@defra.gsi.gov.uk.

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