1.   INTRODUCTION

             The Code of Good Agricultural Practice is a system of rules generally recognized in agricultural activities, which must be observed to avoid any harm to the environment. By observing these rules we protect the environment and human as well as animal health, preserve the diversity of agricultural landscapes and species of wildlife.

            Elaborating the Code of Good Agricultural Practice is one of the phases in the process of implementing the EU Council Directive 91/676/EEC of 12 December 1991 concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources" (OJ L 375, 31.12.1991, p.1) (hereinafter referred to as the EU Nitrate Directive). In accordance with Article 4 of the Nitrate Directive every Member State of the European Union (hereinafter referred to as EU) shall draw up its Code of Good Agricultural Practice, which shall be voluntarily observed by agricultural producers and on the basis of which the level of environment-friendliness shall be estimated.