18 July 2007

FUW WELCOMES ASSEMBLY FLOODING SUPPORT

THE Farmers’ Union of Wales today welcomed the Assembly’s decision to suspend the cross compliance requirements relating to waterlogged soil.

In response to feedback from the agricultural industry, the Welsh Assembly Government has temporarily suspended the cross compliance requirement which prohibits the use of mechanical equipment on waterlogged soil until July 31, 2007.

Welsh farmers are currently experiencing above average rainfall for this time of year with last month being the wettest June the UK has seen since detailed records began in 1914.

"All the rain we have had recently has left a lot of land sodden making it difficult for us as farmers to fully adhere to the cross compliance requirements," said FUW President Gareth Vaughan.

"I’m therefore glad that the Welsh Assembly Government has acted with common sense in order to avoid farmers being penalised when the situation is out of their control.

"At this time of year there are a range of tasks to complete before the winter and the use of mechanical equipment on the land is vital," added Mr Vaughan.

The Welsh Assembly Government has also granted a derogation to allow farmers to use their set-aside land to graze livestock where prologned rainfall has ruined summer grazing pastures.

"We also welcome the Assembly’s acknowledgement of the problems facing livestock farmers where heavy rain has left many grazing pastures waterlogged and ungrazable, and allowing farmers to graze set-aside land will hopefully allieviate problems," said Mr Vaughan.

 

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