MSA responds to DEFRA
On Friday 13 May, DEFRA announced a revision to the rules
governing the use of agricultural land for motor sports during
the 10-month qualifying period under the Single Payment Scheme.
Lord Bach, Minister for Sustainable Farming and Food,
said:
"Defra received a number of representations from motor
sport interests following the issue of new guidance on 29
March. Having considered these, I am happy to announce the
publication of updated guidance which now provides for motor
sports to take place on up to 28 days during farmers' 10-month
eligibility period on land used in support of 2005 Single
Payment claims. Guidance for 2006 and beyond will be reviewed
in the light of experience of this first year of the Single
Payment Scheme."
Responding to DEFRA's statement Colin Hilton, Chief
Executive of the Motor Sports Association (governing body
of UK motor sport) said:
"While we welcome Friday's statement from DEFRA, there
is still a long way to go to safeguard the future of grass
roots motor sport in this country. DEFRA realised that the
MSA and its partners in LARA (Land Access and Recreation Association)
were resolute in our determination to take the government
to court, but all it has done is change the rule through its
own discretion – and therefore could change it back
just as arbitrarily.
"What we are now trying to establish is the correct
legal position in this debate as a safeguard for the future
under the European directive and the legal action in this
respect is on-going. We are also seeking clarification on
the issue of cross-compliance and the creation of a set of
workable rules that DEFRA approves and that clubs and farmers
can understand. Motorsport must adapt to the new agricultural
regimes, and doing this will entail a lot more work in establishing
precisely how motor sport is affected and the development
of agreed guidance notes for clubs and landowners.
"In the short-term, events can go ahead again as planned,
and this is excellent news. It has been a great example of
the power of concerted and joined up action, and we must thank
everyone who backed the campaign so enthusiastically."
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