IFA President Tim Cullinan is calling on the Taoiseach to intervene with the European Commission after receiving confirmation that the nitrates derogation for Ireland is to be reduced. Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue confirmed that the EU rejected Ireland’s case that changes being implemented would result in improvements in water quality – a condition on which the Irish Derogation from the normal requirements was granted.
Up to now the derogation allowed an estimated 3,000 farmers to produce 250 kg of organic nitrogen per hectare – this will now reduce to 220kg per hectare as of January 1st. To comply with the lower limit farmers will need to either to reduce animal numbers, increase the amount of land they have, or find someone to take slurry from their holdings
The IFA president says this has massive ramifications for Irish farmers if it is allowed to transpire. Dairy farmers will see their incomes reduced and the land market will be disrupted according to the Tipperary farm leader.
Macra is also expressing disappointment at news that the nitrates derogation will be cut from its current level of 250 Kg N/ha to 220Kg N/ha. The organisation representing young farmers says the consequent reduction in stocking rates will have a negative effect on farming succession in Ireland and cause land prices to increase.
Macra National President Elaine Houlihan is calling on Minister for Agriculture Charlie MacConologue to look for a way to extend the introduction of the new nitrates rates for 12 months instead of the change being implemented as of January 1st 2024.
