NFU Cymru welcomes minister's swift response

NFU Cymru is pleased that the Minister for Rural Affairs has acted swiftly to grant a temporary exemption of the GAEC A3 cross-compliance requirement following the Union"e;s plea to help farmers earlier this week.

Dai Davies, NFU Cymru President, drew Elin Jones"e; attention to the fact that this August has been the wettest for 16 years and the severe effect that the heavy rainfall has had upon farming operations and in particular harvesting.

Mr Davies said, "We are grateful to the Minister for responding quickly to our representations and for recognising that farmers are extremely anxious at the moment about being able to finish their harvests, especially as the days are getting shorter and temperatures are starting to fall."

NFU Cymru is advising its members to record in their Cross Compliance Soil Assessment Record booklet any soil damage, any damage arising from the temporary exemption from the waterlogged soil and the action they intend to take to negate or, if appropriate, lessen the damage. They should take such action as soon as is practicable before the next crop is sown.