ICMSA reminder of December 31 nitrates deadline
FARMERS are being urgently reminded of the December 31 deadline for stocking rate limits under Nitrates regulations.
Farmers who are farming in excess of 170kgs of Nitrogen per hectare and who don’t have a derogation are advised of the December 31 deadline for submissions of relevant forms to the Nitrates Section of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine.
Year after year farmers are incurring significant financial penalties due to exceeding 170kgs of Nitrogen per hectare through not applying for a Derogation or exporting slurry or taking additional grazing.
The Chairperson of Wicklow ICMSA, Shane O’Loughlin, said: ‘In 2015, in excess of 1,600 farmers incurred penalties totalling €1.8m for breaches of the 170Kg limit. It’s hugely important to check that you are not exposed in relation to this matter.
‘ Those farmers most likely to exceed the limit based on the Departmental data have received a text message outlining their stocking rate at the end of October. In addition, all farmers can view their N and P statements at www.agfood.ie and farmers not already registered can do so by logging onto www.agfood.ie. Many farmers have added additional dairy cows and have become more exposed to this risk so it is important to check your own individual situation.’
The Aughrim farmer also reminded farmers that if they have exported slurry in 2016 or took additional grazing in 2016, that is not declared on his/her BPS application, it is essential they complete the movement of organic fertiliser (Record 3) or Proof of 2016 Rental/Grazing agreement (Record 5) form and return to the Nitrates Section, Johnstown Castle Estate on or before December 31.
‘Failure to return these Records by 31 December 2016 will result in a penalty on your BPS/ Greening/ANC and other payments for farmers who are over 170kgs of Nitrogen per hectare,’ added Mr O’Loughlin.
He also confirmed that his organisation called on the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to immediately send out a final text to farmers that are at risk of exceeding the limit.