Paragraph 3 Cultivation of the Set-Aside Land and Replacement of the Green Cover

A farmer may—

(a)

cultivate the land for the purpose of controlling weeds at any time on or after 1st May prior to the end of the set-aside period;

(b)

make preparations for sowing and sow any arable crop or temporary grass ley on or after 15th July prior to the end of the set-aside period, provided that the farmer does not intend that any crop so sown should be harvested prior to 16th January following the end of the set-aside period;

(c)

replace the green cover at any time provided that—

(i)

such replacement is necessary—

(aa)

to control any serious infestation of weeds or pests or the spread of any disease; or

(bb)

for reasons of health or safety or pollution control approved by the Minister;

(ii)

seed sufficient to sow a replacement green cover is stored on land which the farmer farms as a single unit with the land set aside before replacement of the existing green cover is commenced;

(iii)

it is likely, having regard to the condition of the soil and expected climatic conditions, that sowing the stored seed at this time will result in the successful growth of a green cover; and

(iv)

that seed is sown as soon as is practicable after the destruction of the existing green cover.