Defra states it is doing more than other European member states to relax EU agriculture policy after farmers suffered from one of Britain’s driest summers.
British fruit and vegetable producers have seen yields slashed on several crops, as they battle to keep their plants alive. Livestock farmers have also suffered from a lack of fodder.
Supermarkets have relaxed specifications on several crops in a bid to support farmers battling the conditions, while the government has eased up water abstraction limits.
Defra reiterated their work in getting both Basic Payment Scheme and agri-environment scheme payments issued promptly as well as negotiating with the EU on a relaxation of grazing on Environmental Focus Areas.
A Defra spokeperson said: “We are seeking a far more useful relaxation of EU laws for our farmers than other member states have sought.
“Allowing catch or cover crop grazing would, we expect, have limited benefit for our farmers, given the limited crop types that can be grown under current rules in the areas concerned. We expect further news next week on our negotiations with the European Commission to secure a much more beneficial flexibility to increase the availability of fodder resources for livestock.”
