Explanatory Note
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations amend paragraph 3 of the Schedule to the Common Agricultural Policy Single Payment and Support Schemes (Cross-compliance) (England) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/3459).
The effect of this amendment is to allow the Secretary of State, in exceptional weather conditions, to exempt farmers from requirements relating to waterlogged soil (for a reasonable time, rather than for 2 months as was previously the case).
Guidance to farmers on access to land with waterlogged soil and on implications for Soil Protection Reviews is available at www.defra.gov.uk.
A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument because of the need to introduce it as quickly as possible to deal with the continuing effects of floods conditions. No adverse impact on the private or voluntary sectors is foreseen, however.