The online system for submitting 2019 nitrates derogations applications is now open.

Intensively stocked farmers who exceed the nitrate regulations limit for livestock manure can apply for a derogation to increase their allowance. The current limit is 170kg of livestock manure nitrogen per hectare.

With a derogation in place, farmers can exceed that limit up to a maximum of 250kg/ha, subject to adherence to stricter rules.

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For a nitrates derogation application to be valid, the following terms and conditions must be adhered to:

  • An annual application must be made online to the Department. No postal applications will be accepted.
  • Farming a holding that is at least 80% grass and have grazing livestock.
  • 50% of all slurry produced on a derogation farm must be applied by 15 June annually. After this date, slurry can only be applied using low emission equipment.
  • A derogation holding must have sufficient storage for all livestock manure and soiled water produced on the holding.
  • Have a fertilisation plan in place on the holding by 1 March. This plan should be submitted to the Department along with the application form, unless the farmer has submitted a fertiliser plan to the Department in 2016, 2017 or 2018.
  • Fertiliser plans must be based on soil analysis results dated after 15 September 2015.
  • New applicants who do not have soil analysis results must assume Index 3 for 2019, but soil sample analysis, in respect of crop year 2020 must be available and the fertiliser plan amended accordingly and submitted online to the Department before 31 March 2020.
  • Fertiliser accounts must be submitted to the Department no later than 31 March of the following year.
  • Nitrates derogation applicants cannot import livestock manure on to their holding.
  • In 2018, 6,900 intensively stocked farmers availed of the derogation, an increase of 1,100 since 2014. The area under derogation has increased in the time period, with 466,000ha under derogation in 2018, up 133,800ha since 2014.