DEPARTMENT FOR
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (212/07) issued by
The Government News Network on 11 July 2007
Environment
Secretary Hilary Benn has suspended a cross compliance standard to
enable farmers to use mechanical equipment and vehicles on
waterlogged soil and access their crops.
The Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition standard, GAEC
3, prohibits farmers from carrying out mechanical operations and
using motorised vehicles on waterlogged soil. The standard was put
in place to protect soils from compaction and structural damage
caused by using vehicles when the soil is too wet.
The Environment Secretary has the power to vary or suspend the
requirement in periods of exceptional weather conditions.
In view of the recent weather conditions and flooding in some
parts of the country, Mr Benn has temporarily suspended the
requirement until 31 July 2007 (subject to review).
Mr Benn was at the Great Yorkshire yesterday and listened to a
number of concerns raised by farmers affected by the recent
weather in the region. These concerns centered around the
difficulties posed by GAEC 3, after which the Environment
Secretary instructed the department to temporarily suspend the restrictions.
Mr Benn said:
'At the Great Yorkshire Show yesterday the farmers and NFU
representatives I met raised with me the problems caused by the
prohibition on using machinery on waterlogged soil after the
recent exceptional rainfall. I have looked at this overnight and
decided to lift this restriction until the end of the month. I
hope this will help farmers who have been badly affected'.
Notes to Editors
1. Cross compliance forms a key and non-discretionary part of the
CAP Reform and puts in place a baseline standard for farming. It
comprises two elements: Statutory Management Requirements, and
standards of Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC).
2. GAEC standards relate to the protection of soils and
maintenance of habitat and landscape features characteristic of
the English countryside. GAEC 3 prohibits farmers from carrying
out mechanical field operations or using motorised vehicles on
waterlogged soils. The standard was put in place to protect soils
from compaction and structural damage caused by using vehicles
when the soil is too wet.
3. Cross compliance applies to all farmers claiming direct
payments including the Single Payment and, as of 2007, claimants
for new land based Pillar II Rural Development schemes.
4. The Cross Compliance Handbook and supporting guidance can be
found on the RPA website at:
http://www.rpa.gov.uk/rpa/index.nsf/home
5. A cross compliance advice helpline is open from 9am to 5pm
Monday to Friday. Agents can answer technical questions on cross
compliance or tell you where to get the help you need. Cross
Compliance Advice Helpline - 0845 345 1302. http://www.crosscompliance.org.uk
Public enquiries 08459 335577;
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