11/07/07
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:
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- The Cross Compliance Handbook and
supporting guidance can be found on the RPA website at: www.rpa.gov.uk/
- 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. www.crosscompliance.org.uk
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