The IFA has called for deferral of a proposed lead ammunition ban.

Toxic lead from gunshot can contaminate meat and the environment – but current proposals to address the issue would condemn most farmers’ guns, shooting organisations have warned.

The IFA and the National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC) have called on the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to request a delay to a proposed EU ban on lead ammunition.

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Officials from the three organisations met on Wednesday 5 June, to discuss concerns that some 100,000 guns owned by farmers would have to be decommissioned if a ban comes into force.

“At this stage it is not known if the draft regulation will be discussed at the next meeting of the relevant EU Committee in July,” an NPWS spokesperson told the Irish Farmers Journal, adding that no date had been set for the phase out of lead ammunition for hunting in wetlands.

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100,000 farmers' guns at risk from lead ban