Dairy cows grazing at Rockstown Upr, Co Wicklow on a sunny autumn day.
ADVERTISEMENT
Every year, farmers fear inspections – the dreaded phone call or knock on the door to say you have been selected for a cross-compliance inspection literally keeps people awake at night.
It’s understandable, not least because of the sheer range of possible breaches of the reams of red tape that can catch people out. Things have improved year-on-year, with the “yellow-card” system a big step forward – less than half of the farmers who were found to breach rules received a financial penalty last year.
At the same time, the silent but deadly threat to farmers payments is the stocking rate limits under nitrates rules. One in three farmers penalised last year were sanctioned for breaches of stocking rates. It is utterly avoidable. Any week now, the Department will contact any farmers close to the limit with an update of their status. Action can be taken – either sell stock or export slurry or FYM. Almost €2m was lost by farmers last year, and in all recent years. What a waste.
ADVERTISEMENT
Register for free to read this story and our free stories.
This content is available to digital subscribers and loyalty code users only. Sign in to your account, use the code or subscribe to get unlimited access.
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
CODE ACCEPTED
You have full access to the site until next Wednesday at 9pm.
CODE NOT VALID
Please try again or contact support.
Every year, farmers fear inspections – the dreaded phone call or knock on the door to say you have been selected for a cross-compliance inspection literally keeps people awake at night.
It’s understandable, not least because of the sheer range of possible breaches of the reams of red tape that can catch people out. Things have improved year-on-year, with the “yellow-card” system a big step forward – less than half of the farmers who were found to breach rules received a financial penalty last year.
At the same time, the silent but deadly threat to farmers payments is the stocking rate limits under nitrates rules. One in three farmers penalised last year were sanctioned for breaches of stocking rates. It is utterly avoidable. Any week now, the Department will contact any farmers close to the limit with an update of their status. Action can be taken – either sell stock or export slurry or FYM. Almost €2m was lost by farmers last year, and in all recent years. What a waste.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525.
Link sent to your email address
We have sent an email to your address. Please click on the link in this email to reset your password. If you can't find it in your inbox, please check your spam folder. If you can't find the email, please call us on 01-4199525.
ENTER YOUR LOYALTY CODE:
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
SHARING OPTIONS