Areas set aside must so remain for a period commencing on 15 January at the latest and ending on 31 August at the earliest. However, Member States shall lay down the conditions under which producers may be authorised to sow seed from 15 July for harvesting in the following year and the conditions to be met for grazing to be authorised from 15 July or, in case of exceptional climatic condition, from 15 of June in Member States where transhumance is practised traditionally.

Member States shall apply suitable measures compatible with the specific situation of areas set aside in order to ensure they are maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition and that the environment is protected.

Such measures may involve green cover. In that case, the measures shall ensure that the green cover cannot be used for seed production and that it cannot be used for agricultural purposes before 31 August or, before 15 January thereafter, to produce crops for marketing.