These Regulations amend The Common Agricultural Policy Basic Payment and Support Schemes (England) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/3259) to provide for a derogation from the requirements for areas under green cover for the 2018 scheme year. The changes are made pursuant to Commission Implementing Decision of 18.9.2018 authorising derogations from Regulation (EU) No. 1307/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council and from Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No. 639/2014 as regards the implementation of certain conditions relating to the greening payment for the claim year 2018 in Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, France, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and the United Kingdom in respect of England and Scotland.

Under the derogation, areas under green cover may be established without sowing a mix of crop species and may include areas under winter crops sown in autumn for harvesting, forage or grazing. Where farmers sow a mix of crops for green cover, the period for which it must be retained is shortened to 4 weeks.

An impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen.