Farmers, landowners and other professionals involved in agriculture are being asked for ideas and suggestions on how to slash the red tape which is strangling the industry.

In what for many small farmers – who can’t afford to pay for help in filling in hundreds of complex forms – must seem like manna from heaven, the environment department Defra at the weekend launched a nationwide consultation programme to cut “un-necessary regulation without lowering standards.”

It has set up a special task force on farming regulation and wants suggestions and advice from people in the farming and food industries as to how this can best be done.

Says Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Jim Paice: “Regulations have nearly always been put in place for good reasons but not necessarily in the best way. There is too much red tape tying up our farmers and food businesses.

“I have challenged the task force to make recommendations that will change culture in both Government and business. The focus will be on outcomes, risk-based solutions and proportionate enforcement.

“They must think beyond ‘traditional’ regulation and enforcement, while maintaining our high public and environmental protection standards.”

The consultation process will go on until October 31 and suggestions can be logged at http://engage.defra.gov.uk/farm-regulation/