More slurry storage on dairy farms is just one of a series of measures recommended to the minister. \ Odhran Ducie
ADVERTISEMENT
The slurry storage requirements for dairy farmers laid down in law will “likely” need to increase on the back of ongoing Teagasc trials into the actual volumes of slurry and soiled water produced on dairy farms.
That is according to the Nitrates Expert Group, which has flagged to Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon this research indicates that more slurry and soiled water storage capacity could be required from dairy farmers as part of the next Nitrates Action Programme’s tightening of regulations.
The first year of data collected by Teagasc points towards a 20-25% jump in the slurry tank space requirements currently set down in regulations, with further clarity on the rise expected before September.
ADVERTISEMENT
The group said that a “lead-in time should apply before new regulatory requirements enter into force” due to the time needed to plan, design, source labour and construct additional tank space.
An exemption of “new standalone manure storage facilities meeting certain conditions” from planning rules should also be considered, it said. Its recommendation to the minister stated that “if possible, the construction of additional storage should be supported through grant aid”.
Figures released by the Department of Agriculture earlier this year suggest that the funding allocated to Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Schemes III under CAP looks set to run dry just half way through the scheme’s intended duration.
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.
The slurry storage requirements for dairy farmers laid down in law will “likely” need to increase on the back of ongoing Teagasc trials into the actual volumes of slurry and soiled water produced on dairy farms.
That is according to the Nitrates Expert Group, which has flagged to Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon this research indicates that more slurry and soiled water storage capacity could be required from dairy farmers as part of the next Nitrates Action Programme’s tightening of regulations.
The first year of data collected by Teagasc points towards a 20-25% jump in the slurry tank space requirements currently set down in regulations, with further clarity on the rise expected before September.
The group said that a “lead-in time should apply before new regulatory requirements enter into force” due to the time needed to plan, design, source labour and construct additional tank space.
An exemption of “new standalone manure storage facilities meeting certain conditions” from planning rules should also be considered, it said. Its recommendation to the minister stated that “if possible, the construction of additional storage should be supported through grant aid”.
Figures released by the Department of Agriculture earlier this year suggest that the funding allocated to Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Schemes III under CAP looks set to run dry just half way through the scheme’s intended duration.
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