One of the main questions from farmers following on from last week’s article on the step-by-step guide to identifying peat soils as defined under GAEC 2 (Good Agriculture and Environmental Condition), relates to the appeals system that will be available. It was outlined at the recent IFA peat soils policy meeting that an appeals process will be established once GAEC 2 proposals have been approved by the European Commission. Farm Advisory System (FAS) advisers received correspondence this week, reaffirming that an appeals process will be put in place. The correspondence also outlined that an appeal is likely to require submission of soil samples, geotag photographs and an environmental report by a FAS adviser or environmental consultant.
One of the main questions from farmers following on from last week’s article on the step-by-step guide to identifying peat soils as defined under GAEC 2 (Good Agriculture and Environmental Condition), relates to the appeals system that will be available. It was outlined at the recent IFA peat soils policy meeting that an appeals process will be established once GAEC 2 proposals have been approved by the European Commission.
Farm Advisory System (FAS) advisers received correspondence this week, reaffirming that an appeals process will be put in place. The correspondence also outlined that an appeal is likely to require submission of soil samples, geotag photographs and an environmental report by a FAS adviser or environmental consultant.
Mapping queries
There were also a number of queries relating to mapping and, in particular, regarding parcels with a portion of the area categorised as a peat soil. The correspondence issues to advisors also reaffirmed that if a parcel includes >=50% peat soils (>30% OM) then GAEC 2 applies to the whole parcel. However, if the parcel comprises <50% peat, then GAEC 2 does not apply to the parcel.
Furthermore, parcels can be split where there is a boundary present. However, it is vital to note that parcels cannot be split where they are part of an Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) action.
Advisers were also reminded that the mapping layer used for GAEC 2 is the 30% organic matter soils map and not the 20% layer map used for Nitrates.
It added that an indicator to identify parcels with 30% or more soil organic matter will be added to land details in time, allowing immediate identification.
Some farmers are also questioning how soon letters will be issued informing them that parcels declared fall under the criteria for GAEC 2. As mentioned already, GAEC 2 has to be approved by the EU Commission, with letters not issuing until after this stage. When letters do issue they will inform Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) applicants what parcels meet the criteria for GAEC 2 and also provide a map.
Penalty schedule
The penalty schedule for GAEC 2 is the same as the conditionality penalty system for all GAECs and SMRs: “For non-intentional non-compliances sanctions will be 1%, 3%, 5% or 10%, depending on the nature of the non-compliance and extent, severity and permanence. For intentional non-compliances, sanctions start at 15%, but can be increased up to 100%, with a graduated scale in place. Repetition or reoccurrence of a non-compliance will lead to higher sanctions”.
This is a subscriber-only article
SHARING OPTIONS: