Defra simplifies farming advice service with one-stop shop

Its new Farming Advice Service (FAS) will pull together Defra resources on subjects including cross compliance, nutrient management, competitiveness, and climate change mitigation. Farmers will no longer have to ring around dozens of organisations before getting through to the right source, said agriculture minister Jim Paice, announcing the launch of the FAS in the New Year.

He said: “Good advice is essential to any business and this new service will make sure farmers can get the most out of their farms.

“The current array of advice from numerous organisations is bewildering and this more integrated service will make access to help both faster and less complicated.”

Defra is working with the NFU and CLA on the launch of the new service on January 3. The helpline number is 0845 345 1302. The website address will be www.defra.gov.uk/farming-advice/