It's with great sadness that the team at Kings learnt of FWAG's difficulties and the threat to their future.
It would be a huge loss to see such an excellent, independent institution that has done so much to promote and progress farmland conservation over the last 40 years disband completely. The work of the staff at FWAG has helped to shape and develop conservation in the UK and we have much to thank them for. The timing of this development is particularly poignant, with CAP reforms starting to become a notable talking point among growers attempting to predict the likely outcome of potential 'greening' measures. Never have farmers needed more on farm support and guidance as the Campaign for the Farmed Environment (CFE) enters its final few months and environmental stewardship is at the forefront of so many farming businesses.
Recent farm walks arranged by Kings in conjunction with CFE and RSPB and dedicated to promoting the practical management of stewardship features among growers have been exceptionally well attended. This demonstrates there is currently an appetite for information with more people keen to know how to farm these crops as effectively than ever before.
Surely this is an indication of how much must to be done to support and encourage farm businesses to seize the opportunities available? It's encouraging to hear that local FWAG groups are trying to find ways to carry on - at Kings we will support them, and their members in any way we can.
Richard Barnes, Sales Manager, Kings Game Cover and Conservation Crops
