11/12/2009

The burden of additional costs and duplication of existing legislation on farmers and land managers makes the proposed Soil Framework Directive unnecessary, says NFU Cymru.

NFU Cymru, which continually makes recommendations on this issue to the Minister for Rural Affairs, Elin Jones, is against the introduction of the Directive, believing sufficient protection is already in place in the form of voluntary measures under agri-environment schemes, the Water Framework Directive and the CAP cross compliance conditions under the Single Farm Payment scheme.

Bernard Llewellyn, the newly re-elected Chairman of NFU Cymru’s Rural Affairs Board told board members earlier this week: “The proposed Soil Framework Directive is a good example of the over-regulation we must avoid. Many of the existing EU policies already afford sufficient soil protection and significant benefits are being delivered, through the agri-environment schemes in Wales and will continue to be delivered through Glastir. Benefits are also in place through targeted action in the Water Framework Directive in priority catchment areas.

“New legislative measures should only be introduced after the effectiveness of existing policies and legislation have been understood and evaluated. It is fundamental that costs are estimated for any additional requirements being put forward for farmers.

“Although NFU Cymru supports the principle of concerted and common action designed to promote understanding, information exchange and monitoring at an EU level, we believe there is greater need for carefully targeted advice and information, voluntary action, partnership and a greater emphasis on monitoring and research, not additional legislation.�