Nitrates derogation gets green light

IRELAND’S request for a renewal of its derogation under the Nitrates Directive was passed at EU-level, writes Claire Fox.

The revised Nitrates Action Programme (NAP), which is due to commence in January 2018, has delivered a package of measures that “sufficiently raises the bar” in tackling agricultural impacts on water to allow the positive vote by the EU Nitrates management committee, the Department of Agriculture and Department of Housing stated.

It follows year-long discussions with the EU Commission and two separate public consultations on the review of the nitrates programme. The fourth NAP will run until the end of 2021. Agriculture Minister Michael Creed welcomed the renewal of the derogation for a further four years as “it allows farmers to plan ahead with certainty over the medium term.”

The agreement allows more intensive farmers to operate at a higher stocking rate than set out in the Nitrates Directive. Farmers can exceed the limit of 170 kg of livestock manure nitrogen per hectare set down in the Nitrates Regulations, up to a maximum of 250kg per hectare, subject to adherence to stricter rules.

The ICMSA welcomed the four year extension on the nitrates derogation. ICMSA president John Comer said it was testament to the work of our officials as well as a recognition of the huge efforts that farmers are making to reduce their impact on the environment. He said that the extension would allow for some stability.