11 July 2007 - Ref 40/07
Exemptions due to adverse weather conditions.
Please see the information below which explains the exemption for cross compliance and information on the use of set-aside land and exemptions due to bad weather.
Cross compliance – Exemption
The Secretary of State has today made an announcement that cross compliance requirement GAEC 3 (prohibiting the use of mechanical field operations and mechanised vehicles on waterlogged soil) has been suspended until 31st July 2007 in view of the recent wet weather. This will enable farmers to use mechanical equipment and vehicles on waterlogged soil and access their crops. Farmers should use their Soil Protection Review as a means to identify and mitigate any soil-related issues arising as a result of the suspension.
Set-aside - Derogation to allow grazing on set-aside due to flooding
Paragraph 106 of the 2006 ‘Set-aside Handbook and Guidance for England’ states that during the set-aside period (15 January to 31 August) set-aside land must not normally be used for agricultural production, including grazing.
In light of the abnormally wet weather conditions a derogation to allow land set-aside in 2007 to be grazed or harvested for animal feed is being made available to farmers. This derogation allows farmers to graze set-aside land with their own animals or harvest hay or silage for their own use.
Farmers wishing to make use of this derogation should telephone, e-mail or write to the RPA Customer Service Centre providing the reference numbers for the fields which they wish to graze or harvest. Exceptionally in these circumstances, farmers may consider that the derogation has been granted unless RPA makes contact to confirm otherwise.
Notes:
1. In the title of the email or in the reference of your letter please quote "Set-aside exemption"
2. Emails should be sent to: csc@rpa.gsi.gov.uk
3. Telephone enquiries to should be made to Customer Service Centre 0845 603 7777
4. Letters should be sent to: Customer Service Centre, Rural Payments Agency, PO Box 1058, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE99 4YQ
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, and standards of Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC).
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. The 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 and, as of 2007, claimants for new land based Pillar II Rural Development schemes.
4. The Cross Compliance Handbook and supporting guidance can be found on the RPA website at: www.rpa.gov.uk/crosscompliance
5. 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: telephone 0845 345 1302 or visit the website at www.crosscompliance.org.uk
Page published: 13 July 2007