Cross compliance standard suspended to help flooded farmers
UK - Environment secretary Hilary Benn has extended the suspension of the cross-compliance standard to enable farmers to use mechanical equipment and vehicles on waterlogged soil and access their crops.
26 July 2007
2 minute read
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 was put in place to protect soils from compaction and structural damage caused by using vehicles when the soil is too wet.
The Environment secretary has the power to vary or suspend the requirement in periods of exceptional weather conditions. In view of the recent weather conditions and flooding in some parts of the country, Mr. Benn has temporarily suspended the requirement until 31 August.
The Environment secretary has the power to vary or suspend the requirement in periods of exceptional weather conditions. In view of the recent weather conditions and flooding in some parts of the country, Mr. Benn has temporarily suspended the requirement until 31 August.
