Nitrates derogation deadline: your questions answered
With the deadline for nitrates derogation applications this Thursday, Breian Carroll, an agricultural consultant from Mayo, shares some last-minute advice with farmers.
Applications for the nitrates derogation must be submitted by Thursday night.
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What’s different in this year’s application in comparison to last years?
The main difference is that where a new nutrient management plan (NMP) or soil samples are required, then the new or revised NMP plan must be done off the new online system. It has been very frustrating for advisors as the system is being updated continually. The system now looks very good, but advisors should get more time to permit them to check and ensure NMPs are accurate and current.
Given that 7,000 applied last year for the nitrates derogation and as of last week only 4,100 applications were in, what are the possible reasons for the lack of applications to date?
The NMP system was continually being updated in recent weeks and advisors were reluctant to input substantial information. Many advisors are under severe pressure to get the NMPs lodged under these circumstances. Because the entire process is relatively new, there should be an extension of a further week or ensure that plans can be submitted for another week or 10 days without penalty.
Some farmers are acquiring more land in 2017 to either get under the 170kg/ha limit or close to it and then export the balance. In the meantime, others have reduced livestock or changed their system to remain under the nitrates limit.
Another option farmers pursued was entering into partnerships with farmers with lower organic nitrogen levels; combined, they are now coming under the limit.
What is your advice to farmers who might not have their applications in with the deadline approaching?
Existing derogations applications that require new nutrient plans are leaving it very late. If soil samples are dated pre-September 2013, then new samples must be submitted with this plan with a deadline of Thursday night.
Farmers got text messages from the DAFM at the end of 2016 if their figures were close to the 170kg/ha limit. Those farmers should seek the advice of a farm consultant/advisor to ensure they will remain under the limits in 2017.
What are the potential effects of missing the deadline for farmers?
Missing the deadline means farmers will be non-compliant with the nitrates regulations, which may lead to severe penalties.
Are there many farmers left to apply before the deadline?
We have already applied in recent weeks for our own customers. We have only one client needing to apply for a derogation for the first time.
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What’s different in this year’s application in comparison to last years?
The main difference is that where a new nutrient management plan (NMP) or soil samples are required, then the new or revised NMP plan must be done off the new online system. It has been very frustrating for advisors as the system is being updated continually. The system now looks very good, but advisors should get more time to permit them to check and ensure NMPs are accurate and current.
Given that 7,000 applied last year for the nitrates derogation and as of last week only 4,100 applications were in, what are the possible reasons for the lack of applications to date?
The NMP system was continually being updated in recent weeks and advisors were reluctant to input substantial information. Many advisors are under severe pressure to get the NMPs lodged under these circumstances. Because the entire process is relatively new, there should be an extension of a further week or ensure that plans can be submitted for another week or 10 days without penalty.
Some farmers are acquiring more land in 2017 to either get under the 170kg/ha limit or close to it and then export the balance. In the meantime, others have reduced livestock or changed their system to remain under the nitrates limit.
Another option farmers pursued was entering into partnerships with farmers with lower organic nitrogen levels; combined, they are now coming under the limit.
What is your advice to farmers who might not have their applications in with the deadline approaching?
Existing derogations applications that require new nutrient plans are leaving it very late. If soil samples are dated pre-September 2013, then new samples must be submitted with this plan with a deadline of Thursday night.
Farmers got text messages from the DAFM at the end of 2016 if their figures were close to the 170kg/ha limit. Those farmers should seek the advice of a farm consultant/advisor to ensure they will remain under the limits in 2017.
What are the potential effects of missing the deadline for farmers?
Missing the deadline means farmers will be non-compliant with the nitrates regulations, which may lead to severe penalties.
Are there many farmers left to apply before the deadline?
We have already applied in recent weeks for our own customers. We have only one client needing to apply for a derogation for the first time.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525.
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