Cork dairy farmers felt they were let down by the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) by what they perceived as lack of interest in the impact of the nitrates derogation on their livelihoods, a meeting in Timoleague heard on Tuesday night.

Among the complaints aired was disappointment at the lack of support given to them for their protests at Cork Airport and County Hall in February 2024.

There was a feeling expressed by some farmers at the meeting that they were facing a situation akin to 2023, when new measures that dramatically altered how they farmed were introduced at the beginning and end of the year.

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Continuing derogation uncertainty is also hindering generational renewal in dairy farming, Barryroe Co-op chair Johnny O’Brien said.

He called for a more united effort from the wider dairy sector in order to retain stocking rates at current levels.

Citing the lack of concern shown by many in the dairy industry towards it in 2023, he said: “We have a lot bigger battle coming and we all have to fight it. Industry, co-ops, farm organisations and we really have to work together to retain 250kg N/ha in some areas and 220kg N/ha and farm with that for the longer term.”

Curve ball

Over 80 farmers attended the Cork Central IFA monthly meeting, which began with Minister for State at the Department of Housing Christopher O’Sullivan acknowledging that the new measures were a curve ball.

Addressing the need for certainty, the minister said: “We’re not giving up the fight for the derogation. As hard as and uncertain as this is, the reason the Minister for Agriculture is taking this approach is to hang on to the 220kg N/ha.

“If he gets it, our line with the [European] Commission is, that’s it, no more changing the goalposts and no more mid-term reviews.”

He reassured farmers that all will be done to fulfill the Programme for Government commitment to retain the derogation.

“My department will support the efforts to ensure that the new nitrates action plan is accepted by the Commission and that Ireland can retain its derogation, even if that means catchment-by-catchment appropriate assessment,” O’Sullivan said.

Appropriate assessment

IFA environment chair John Murphy felt that the introduction of appropriate assessment could open up a massive can of worms for Government, as it could expose pressures put on habitats and waterways from sources other than agriculture.

He urged farmers to farm properly and within the current regulations and to continue to improve water quality.

IFA environment senior executive Geraldine O’Sullivan brushed away any fears of the introduction of 170kg N/ha stocking rate.

“Work put in since 2023 means the Commission have a better understanding of Irish farming and how the grass-based system differs compared to before.”