A new Government consultation on the way Less Favoured Areas (LFAs) are designated is in process. The European Commission has proposed to replace LFAs with a new designation known as Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC). This requires a mapping exercise to ensure that land which is agriculturally disadvantaged is captured under the new ANC designation. LFA land is typically associated withcommon land and the Uplands of England, but changes may see some designated areas lose their status and new areas come in as agricultural land facing constraint may be located anywhere in the country.
The online consultation, launched by Defra, will help form a part of the on-going CAP reform negotiations. Defra has provided an interactive map to accompany the consultation which allows farmers to search using place name and postcode against a number of different criteria. The maps allow farmers to identify whether any particular area of land (down to field parcel level) is within the published iteration of Areas facing Natural Constraints. More information, including maps and guidance, can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/consult/2013/02/01/areas-facing-natural-constrai... The consultation runs until 27th March.
The Foundation will be reponding to the consultation and it would be good to hear your views, so please get in touch.
