Organic Farming Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001

Regulation 5(2)(b)(ii) and (v)

SCHEDULE 2 Standards to be observed

1.  The beneficiary shall not plough, reseed or improve, by use of drainage, manures or liming agents, any heathland, grassland of conservation value, including species-rich grassland, or rough grazing. The beneficiary shall not graze any such semi-natural habitats so as to cause poaching, over-grazing or under-grazing affecting the conservation value of such habitats.

2.  The beneficiary shall avoid localised heavy stocking in the nesting season on areas of semi-natural vegetation, including heathland, species-rich grassland and rough grazing.

3.  The beneficiary shall not carry out field operations, such as harrowing and rolling, on species-rich grassland or rough grazing during the nesting season.

4.  The beneficiary shall not cultivate or apply fertilisers to the land within 1 metre of any boundary features, such as fences, hedges or walls.

5.  The beneficiary shall retain traditional farm boundary features, for example hedges and walls. He shall carry out hedge-trimming in rotation, but not between 1st March and 31st August. The beneficiary shall maintain any stockproof boundaries, using traditional methods and materials.

6.  Ditch maintenance shall be carried out in rotation, but not between 1st March and 31st August.

7.  The beneficiary shall maintain streams, ponds and wetland areas.

8.  The beneficiary shall retain any copses, farm woodlands or groups of trees.

9.  The beneficiary shall ensure that in farming the land he does not damage, destroy or remove any feature of historical or archeological interest, including areas of ridge and furrow.

10.  The beneficiary shall abide by the Codes of Good Agricultural Practice for the protection of Soil, Air and Water(1) and Good Farming Practice for the Environment(2) published by the Department.

(1)

Soil, 1995 ISBN 1 85527 159 1; Air 1995 ISBN 1 85527 160 5, 1995 ISBN 1 85527 161 3; Water 1991 ISBN 1 85527 057 9, 1991 ISBN 1 85527 059 5, 1993 ISBN 1 85527 112 5, 1993 ISBN 1 85527 115, 1994 ISBN 1 85527 114 1, 1996 ISBN 1 85527 246 6, 1999 ISBN 1 85572 351 9, 1999 ISBN 1 85527 361 6

(2)

Good Farming Practice for the Environment, ISBN 1 85527 472 8