Welsh Government | Temporary Exemption from Cross Compliance Standards covering Waterlogged Soils in Wales

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Temporary Exemption from Cross Compliance Standards covering Waterlogged Soils in Wales

The Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and European Programmes has announced a temporary exemption from the cross compliance standard restricting the use mechanical equipment and vehicles on waterlogged soil (Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition standard A3).

Friday 20 July 2012

This is for farmers who need to harvest their silage, cereals and vegetables in Wales.

The Welsh Government has the power to give an exemption from the requirement in periods of exceptional weather conditions and an exemption has been granted until 12 August 2012.

The Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition standard, GAEC A3, prohibits farmers from carrying out mechanical operations and using vehicles on waterlogged soil. The standard is a cross compliance requirement intended to prevent compaction and damage of the waterlogged soils and therefore avoid exacerbating drainage and run-off problems when soils dry out.

Farmers should minimise their access to waterlogged areas and record any soil damage from harvesting conducted under the temporary exemption and the remedial action undertaken in their Cross Compliance Soil Assessment Record booklet.

Deputy Minister, Alun Davies, said:

“The recent heavy rainfall has badly affected businesses as well as individuals and I am pleased to take this action to support farmers and play my part in slightly lifting the burden.”