The NFU is opposing the Soil Framework Directive, claiming it simply represents more costs and more red tape.
EU Heads of State met recently to discuss the SFD, among other issues, during a summit on Better Regulation. As a result of the summit the European Council agreed to reduce administrative burdens arising from EU regulations by 25 percent by 2012. Member States are invited to set their own national targets for 2008.
The NFU is against the introduction of the Directive, arguing that 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: “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.”