Soil Framework Directive is unnecessary says NFU

The burden of additional costs and duplication of existing legislation in the proposed Soil Framework Directive are two key areas being highlighted by the NFU after EU Heads of State met during a summit on Better Regulation.

The NFU is against the introduction of the Directive, believing sufficient protection is already in place in the form of voluntary measures under agri-environment schemes, CAP reform, de-coupling and cross compliance.

NFU Vice President Paul Temple said: "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, or will be delivered, through CAP reform, the agri-environment schemes and targeted action through 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 and growers and it is disappointing this has not been addressed by the Commission.

"Although the NFU supports the principle of concerted and common action designed to promote understanding, information exchange and monitoring at an EU level, we believe these ideas are best developed through an EU Communication Document and not a Framework Directive. This is where the conclusions of Better Regulation need to be taken forward and put into practice."