2024 Nitrates derogation application and dairy banding deadlines extended

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D., announced earlier this week, extensions to the deadlines to submit Nitrates Derogation applications for 2024 and for dairy farmers to confirm their 2024 dairy excretion rate band.

• 2024 Nitrates derogation application deadline is extended to Friday, 26th of April, 2024.

• 2024 Dairy excretion rate band deadline is extended to Wednesday, 15th May, 2024.

Minister McConalogue said: “In light of continued challenging weather conditions, I am conscious of the pressures on farmers and on their advisers to provide the necessary supports during this time. I have agreed these extensions to allow farmers the necessary time to effectively engage with their adviser.”

The department’s online derogation application portal www.agfood.ie had been due to close for applications at midnight on the 19th April, 2024. It will now remain open until midnight on Friday, 26th April, 2024. Intending applicants should immediately contact their adviser if they have not already done so.

Farmers who applied for a Nitrates Derogation in 2023 are also reminded that they must submit 2023 Fertiliser Accounts by the revised closing date of 26th April.

Minister McConalogue also said: “Extending the deadline for confirmation of a dairy herd’s excretion rate band for 2024, will facilitate submissions being made when farmers are meeting advisers to finalise their BISS applications, which are due to be submitted by the 15th May.”

The 2024 Nitrates Dairy Band for dairy herds can be submitted online via the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) website.

Farmers are reminded that the opt-in measure for a dairy farmer to feed a lower level of crude protein to their herd and achieve a reduced N excretion rate is only available for those who submit their band through ICBF.

For the small cohort of farmers who have not consented to their milk data being shared with ICBF, these farmers are required to complete a manual form available to download on the department’s website at: www.gov.ie/nitrates.

(Pic: O’Gorman Photography) Dennis Howard, technical manager and veterinary surgeon, Munster Bovine at the recent Expert Breeding Forum, a joint event between Dairygold, Munster Bovine and Teagasc in Corrin Event Centre, Fermoy, Co Cork. The event focused on preparing dairy farmers for a successful breeding season and maximising calf quality and value.