Applications are open online through agfood.ie until 31 March. “The nitrates derogation provides farmers an opportunity to farm at higher stocking rates, subject to certain conditions designed to protect the environment and meet the requirements of the Nitrates Directive,” said Agriculture Minister Michael Creed. He encouraged farmers to contact their agricultural advisor to determine if they should avail of the derogation.

According to Department figures, almost 7,000 intensively stocked farmers availed of the derogation last year to exceed the usual 170kg/ha organic nitrogen limit.

Farmers can also remain compliant with the regulations by managing their livestock numbers, exporting enough slurry or farmyard manure, or renting additional land.

Applications can only be made online. The system also provides nitrogen and phosphorus statements for 2016 and the Department advised that it sould write to farmers who exceeded the limits in 2016 based on their cattle numbers. In the meantime, those farmers who received text messages warning them that they were approaching the limit in 2016 are advised to consider applying for a derogation this year.

Applicants must have at least 80% of their farm under grass with grazing livestock. They must also have a fertilisation plan in place and submit fertiliser accounts, and cannot import livestock manure.

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Almost 300 farms in Northern Ireland operating under a derogation