On Friday 4 May, the European Commission announced it was agreeing to the rules on crop diversification being relaxed for British farmers whose land has been affected by excessive rain.
Rain has delayed crop planting and European Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan has confirmed he will agree to UK requests for EU rules on crop diversification to be relaxed.
Since 2015, in order to receive the green payment (“greening”) which corresponds to 30% of direct aid, farmers have been under an obligation to meet the three following conditions: - ensure crop diversification; - maintain existing permanent grassland areas; - have areas of special ecological interest (SEI) accounting for 5% of the surface area of arable land farmed.
Given the exceptional circumstances, the Commission agrees to exempt farmers in Northern Ireland and in Scotland from having to comply with the regulations on crop diversification. Requirements will also be relaxed for farmers in other regions of the United Kingdom.
Exceptional rainfall in recent months has prevented farmers from preparing the land for crop sowing, especially regarding spring crops. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)