27/11/09 ~ Waterlogged land in Cumbria – cross compliance temporary derogation
Defra have today announced the temporary suspension until 31 December of 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.
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).
Guidance to farmers
In accordance with Paragraph 1 of the Schedule to the Cross-compliance Regulations, the Secretary of State issues the following guidance to farmers in Cumbria about soil management in light of this exemption from the waterlogged soil requirements.
Farmers should :
- only use motorised vehicles on waterlogged soil for the purpose of removing debris deposited by flood waters and repairing damage caused by the flooding;
- keep the use of motorised vehicles on waterlogged soil to a minimum;
- refrain from carrying out activities likely to lead to long-term damage to soils (such as ploughing) until the soil is no longer waterlogged;
- record in their Soil Protection Review as soon as is practicable:
- any damage to any part of their holdings arising from this exemption from the waterlogged soil requirements; and
- the action they intend to take to negate or, if appropriate, lessen that damage; and
- take such action as soon as practicable and, in any event, before the next crop is sown.
If you have any queries as to what amendments you should make to your Soil Protection Review or as to when you should take remedial action, please contact the Cross Compliance Helpline on 0845 345 1302.
Page published: 13 September 2010