Defra extends suspension
of waterlogged soil regulations for farmers to harvest cereals,
oilseeds and protein crops
DEPARTMENT FOR
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (324/08) issued by
COI News Distribution Service. 3 October 2008
Following a
request from farming representatives, Environment Secretary Hilary
Benn has granted a further temporary exemption from the cross
compliance standard for farmers who need to use mechanical
equipment and vehicles on waterlogged soil to harvest their
cereals, oilseeds and protein crops in England (GAEC 3).
The Environment Secretary has the power to give an exemption from
the requirement in periods of exceptional weather conditions, and
on 10 September 2008 announced an exemption until 4 October. In
view of the persistent wet weather conditions and its adverse
effect on harvesting, Hilary Benn has reviewed the situation and
given a further temporary exemption from the requirement until 25
October 2008 (subject to review).
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 is a
cross compliance requirement intended to prevent compaction and
damage of waterlogged soils and therefore avoid exacerbating
drainage and run-off problems when soils dry out.
Usually wet weather conditions do not coincide with the harvest,
but a wet summer has made waterlogged conditions more prevalent
than usual. Defra has considered the current circumstances in
relation to both the economic and environmental effects of the wet
weather and consequent water logging. Given the widespread
distribution of affected areas, which include the North and the
West Midlands, a national level exemption is appropriate.
Hilary Benn said:
"The NFU and other farming industry representatives have
alerted me to the continuing problems caused by not being able to
use machinery on waterlogged soil after the recent rainfall, and
the promise of further rainfall threatens the remaining harvest.
I have decided to extend the exemption across England, solely for
the purposes of harvesting cereals, oilseeds and protein crops,
until 25 October 2008. We need to continue to do all we can to
help the harvest."
Defra asks once again that farmers minimise their access to
waterlogged areas for harvesting and it is important that they do
not initiate other land activities, such as ploughing in
preparation for sowing for next season until suitable soil
conditions prevail. Farmers are advised to record any soil damage
from harvesting conducted under the temporary exemption, and the
necessary remedial action, on their Soil Protection Review (GAEC
1). Remedial action is essential to avoid creating problems for
the future and farmers should take such action as soon as is
practicable before the next crop is sown.
During this period it is likely that Statutory Authorities or
those acting on their behalf may need access to claimant's
land for such activities as watercourse clearance and emergency or
remedial works.
This situation is covered in the Guide to Cross Compliance which
confirms that third parties accessing farmland under their
statutory authority such as for carrying out emergency works will
not affect farmers' responsibility for cross compliance. In
such cases, farmers are advised to notify the RPA and record any
soil damage on their Soil Protection Review.
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 (SMRs)
and standards of Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions (GAECs).
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. This 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.
4. The Guide to Cross Compliance and supporting guidance can be
found on the RPA website at:
http://www.rpa.gov.uk/rpa/index.nsf/UIMenu/43A4720D24091ACD802570C70045D83D?Opendocument
5. A cross compliance advice helpline (0845 345 1302) is open
from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Agents can answer technical
questions on cross compliance or direct callers towards
appropriate assistance. Further information is also available from
http://www.crosscompliance.org.uk.
Public enquiries 08459 335577;
Press notices are available on
our website
http://www.defra.gov.uk
Defra's aim is sustainable development
End
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