Cross compliance standard suspended to help flood affected farmers in Cumbria
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn will suspend a cross compliance standard to enable farmers in Cumbria to use vehicles on waterlogged soil to remove debris and repair damage after the recent floods.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Environment Secretary Hilary Benn will suspend a cross compliance standard to enable farmers in Cumbria to use vehicles on waterlogged soil to remove debris and repair damage after the recent floods.
The Good Agricultural and Environment 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.
In view of the serious flooding in Cumbria, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn has temporarily suspended the requirement until 31 December 2009.
Mr Benn said:
“The recent extreme weather in Cumbria has caused a lot of distress and made life difficult for many people, including farmers.
“I have therefore today brought in this exemption to help Cumbrian farmers start their clean up and recovery. We will continue to do what we can to assist the community in rebuilding after the devastating flooding.”
The Environment Secretary has the power to vary or suspend the requirement in periods of exceptional weather conditions.
Farmers who wish to take advantage of the suspension to undertake urgent clean-up and repair are advised to record any soil damage from access to waterlogged soil, and the necessary remedial action that they will take, on their Soil Protection Review ( GAEC 1 ).
From 1 January 2010 the restriction on accessing waterlogged soil will be replaced with a new obligation, removing the need for suspension of GAEC 3.
Under the new obligation, farmers in England needing to access waterlogged soil will be able to do so, if they record the access, assess the risk to their soil and undertake any remedial action necessary.
Notes to editors 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 ). GAEC standards relate to the protection of soils and maintenance of habitat and landscape features characteristic of the English countryside. At the moment 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. From 1st January 2010 a revised standard will apply that does not ban access to waterlogged soil, but gives farmers more responsibility for identifying and managing the risks of doing so. Cross compliance applies to all farmers claiming direct payments including the Single Payment and land based RDPE schemes. The Guide to Cross Compliance and supporting guidance can be found on the RPA website. 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 www.crosscompliance.org.uk. End
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