The closing date for 2017 nitrates derogation applications is Thursday 13 April 2017. For this year’s derogation applications, the requirement is that nutrient management plans are produced using NMP on-line and that these plans are submitted to the Department through AgFood.ie.

The Department says this facility is fully operating for derogations. Nutrient management plans are submitted by Agfood.ie, postal applications will not be accepted.

Almost 7,000 intensively stocked farmers availed of the derogation in 2016. The nitrates derogation provides farmers an opportunity to farm at higher stocking rates, subject to certain conditions to protect the environment.

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GLAS for new entrants

For the 12,000 farmers who have just joined GLAS, there are some upcoming deadlines for the completion of actions to be aware of. These deadlines do not apply to every farmer in the scheme and are dependent on what was chosen in the initial plan.

Bat, bird and bee boxes

The deadline for erecting bat, bird and bee boxes is 31 May. Bird boxes cannot be on the same tree/stake/post as bat or bee boxes. They should also not be erected on or near ESB posts. The locations must be clearly marked on the map and must be maintained in the same position for the duration of the contract.

Protection of watercourses from bovines

This action is designed to protect water quality by keeping cattle out of watercourses. Farmers who choose this action must fence off all watercourses identified on the GLAS online system a minimum of 1.5m from the top of the bank of the watercourse to exclude cattle by 31 May. Livestock drinking points are not permitted, and alternative must be provided.

Wild bird cover

The objective here is to sow a seed crop mix that provides a food source and winter cover for farmland birds and other fauna. The crop must be sown by 31 May and must remain in situ until 15 March the following year.