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."
