Defra (department for environment, food and rural affairs) extends suspension of waterlogged soil regulations for farmers to harvest cereals, oilseeds and protein crops.
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.
Given the widespread distribution of affected areas, which include the North and the West Midlands, a national level exemption is appropriate.
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