A SIGNIFICANT change has been made to the Government's Environmental Stewardship scheme for farmers.

Rather than restrict farmers to quarterly start dates, the scheme will be rolled out with agreements starting at monthly intervals.

Since the launch of the scheme in March, 20,000 application packs have been issued across England, many to farmers in the North-East and North Yorkshire.

Lord Bach, Sustainable Farming Minister, said: "Monthly start dates will make life easier for all concerned. This will allow farmers and landowners to apply when they are ready rather than waiting for the quarterly deadline."

Published: 05/07/2005