Defra has announced that where waterlogging remains farmers may apply for an individual exemption to last until 30 September (See text below).
Suspension of Cross Compliance
Waterlogged Soil Requirement (GAEC 3)
The current suspension of the waterlogged soils requirement under Cross Compliance (GAEC 3), as authorised by Secretary of State Hilary Benn following the recent flooding, is due to end on 10 September.Where waterlogging remains farmers may apply for an individual exemption to last until 30 September.
Applications for an exemption should be made to the Rural Payments Agency by contacting the RPA Customer Service Centre on 0845 603 7777 (open weekdays 8.30am to 5.00pm) or by email on csc@rpa.gsi.gov.uk. RPA aim to respond within one working day.
Farmers applying for an exemption should have the following information available: Single Business Identifier; name; county; field numbers; crop to be harvested; soil type (as completed at Section 2, Table 1, page 6 of your Soil Protection Review); approximate area; and reason for request (e.g. to meet contractual deadlines, or to avoid deterioration of your crop). Farmers will need to observe the conditions attached to any exemption. Note that exemptions will not be granted for ploughing or other preparation activities.
Comprehensive information about cross compliance, and the exemptions that are already available to farmers under GAEC 3, can be found in the Cross Compliance Handbook, available via the cross compliance pages of the RPA website at: http://www.rpa.gov.uk/rpa/index.nsf/UIMenu/814240C66F10CAC8802570C7004248D4?Opendocument
For further information and more details follow this link www.defra.gov.uk
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