MEPs told no by NFU Cymru to a framework directive on soil protection

A Framework Directive on soil protection would just add to the unnecessary administrative burden on farmers, according to NFU Cymru in a letter it has sent today to Members of the European Parliament urging them to vote against it next month.

Dai Davies, NFU Cymru President has put pen to paper in a bid to make MEPs see sense when voting next month on the European Union's (EU) Soil Thematic Strategy. Mr Davies says, "We strongly disagree with the European Commission's need for a framework directive on soil protection. In our view soil protection is best addressed through carefully targeted advice and information, voluntary action, partnerships and with greater emphasis on monitoring and further research.

"We are particularly concerned that the EU's objectives of Better Regulation and Simplification appear to be disregarded in respect of these draft proposals which are being voted on in plenary on 13 November. The draft framework directive does not recognise the already existing national legislation and will add an unnecessary administrative burden on Member States, regional and local authorities as well as farmers."

NFU Cymru is strongly urging MEPs to reject the European Commission's proposal for a framework Directive on the grounds that significant benefits are, and will continue, to be delivered through already existing and forthcoming policies such as CAP reform cross compliance measures; the Water Framework Directive and Wales' agri-environment schemes.