2M Margin Rule Split Views

2M Margin Rule Split Views

DEFRA’s decision to introduce some exemptions for the 2m margin rule has pleased farm leaders but angered environmentalists.

The Country Land and Business Association said DEFRA had taken a common-sense approach.

“The announcement of a derogation will be well received by the industry and we are pleased that the government has listened to our concerns.

“But the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds accused the government of watering down its own regulations and claimed there was no evidence to support the decision.

Lucy Bjorck, RSPB agriculture policy officer said: “Most small fields are rarely ploughed or sprayed so farmers would have had little to do to comply.

There is no evidence that this U-turn will do anything to help farmers.”