The Outcome of the Farming Regulation Task Force
19 May 2011
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee has decided to take evidence about the independent Farming Regulation Task Force’s report, which was published on 17 May 2011.
The Committee will consider in particular:
- whether it is desirable for Defra to change its culture of regulation in the manner suggested by the report,
- how this cultural shift could be implemented, particularly focussing on strengthened partnership with the farming and food processing industries and more proactive engagement with EU institutions;
- how a system of ‘earned recognition’ for regulation and inspection recommended by the Task Force would work in practice.
Interested parties are invited to address these specific points and to provide general views on the Farming Regulation Task Force’s recommendations in writing by Friday 10 June 2011.
The Committee will take oral evidence from representatives of farming and environmental groups and from Richard Macdonald, the Chair of the Task Force before the Summer Recess. Dates and witnesses for oral evidence sessions will be confirmed shortly. For further details about this inquiry, please contact Rebecca Ross, Agriculture Specialist to the Committee, on 020 7219 2735.
Notes for Editors
The independent Task Force on Farming Regulation’s report is called Striking a balance: reducing burdens; increasing responsibility; earning recognition. A report on better regulation in farming and food businesses. It can be accessed from the Defra website, www.defra.gov.uk.