The Prefect of Gironde issued an order on October 2, 2026, granting a temporary exemption for the establishment of cover crops. This measure addresses the severe soil drought that hinders sowing and crop development, compounded by the lack of significant rainfall.
For plots located in nitrate-vulnerable zones within Gironde, the deadline for planting cover crops has been moved to November 1, 2026, from the original September 30th date. During this period, the standard 15-day timeframe after harvest for cover crop implementation does not apply. All other regulatory obligations remain in effect.
Furthermore, a ministerial exemption has been granted for plots situated outside nitrate-vulnerable zones. The Ministry of Agriculture permits soil coverage for six weeks between September 1st and November 30th. Controls will not focus on this criterion, and no individual force majeure claims are necessary.
Regarding the requirement for secondary crops (BCAE 7), the rules remain: planting must occur by November 15, 2026, with crops maintained until at least February 15, 2027. Farmers unable to plant by November 15th due to climatic conditions must submit an individual force majeure claim form online by November 15th.
