Benn accepts Curry Group set-aside recommendations

Following the final report from Sir Don Curry's High Level Group looking into set-aside, Hilary Benn has agreed that any set-aside mitigation system cannot be implemented in the 2008/9 year. The Group's preferred option would see arable farmers maintain a small percentage of land in environmental management, with proposed new "top-up" options available under Environmental Stewardship. Further information is available on Defra's website.