The Good Agricultural and Environment Condition standard (GAEC 3) prohibits mechanical operations and using motorised vehicles on waterlogged soil.  The standard protects soils from compaction and structural damage caused by using vehicles when the soil is too wet.

“The recent extreme weather in Cumbria has caused a lot of distress and made life difficult for many people, including farmers. I have therefore today brought in this exemption to help Cumbrian farmers start their clean up and recovery. We will continue to do what we can to assist the community in rebuilding after the devastating flooding.” Environment Secretary Hilary Benn.

Farmers who wish to take advantage of the suspension are advised to record any soil damage from access to waterlogged soil and the action that they will take on their Soil Protection Review (GAEC 1). From 1 January 2010 the restriction on accessing waterlogged soil will be replaced with a new obligation removing the need for suspension of GAEC 3.

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