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<p>Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC) cross compliance rules 1,
4, 5 and 7a are not fully replicated in existing domestic legislation as follows.</p><p>
</p><p>GAEC 1, which requires the maintenance of green cover, non-cultivation of land
and spraying of pesticides within two metres of a water course. Domestic legislation,
the Farming Rules for Water, however, provides rules preventing the application of
manure and fertiliser close to a water course. It also prescribes that farmers must
take all reasonable precautions to prevent pollution from cultivation practices, such
as spraying pesticides. The use of pesticides is also set out in the Code of Practice
for using Plant Protection Products.</p><p> </p><p>GAEC 4 and GAEC 5, which require
a minimum soil cover and measures to minimise soil erosion. Again, the Farming Rules
for Water sets out generalised soil cover and erosion measures where it may prevent
agricultural diffuse pollution. There is no reference to mitigation of wind erosion
in the Farming Rules for Water. GAEC rules 4 and 5 are not covered elsewhere in domestic
legislation.</p><p> </p><p>GAEC 7a, which requires the maintenance of green cover
within two metres of the centre of a hedge and the prohibition of cutting a hedge
between 1 March and 31 August. Also, the removal of stone walls, earth and stone banks.
Defra has recently consulted on new legislation to replace the cross compliance hedgerow
protections. As set out in January 2023 Defra plans to pay, as part of Environmental
Land Management schemes, for new actions to maintain drystone walls, stone and earth
banks in good condition.</p>
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