The Department of Agriculture has released a statement reminding farmers, where applicable, that nitrates record forms for the movement of organic fertilisers, temporary movement of animals during the year or short-term rental grazing agreements for 2020 should be submitted as soon as possible and by 31 December at the latest.

Record 3 (organic fertilisers), record 4 (temporary movement of animals) and record 5 (temporary rental agreements) can be found at www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9563-rural-environment-sustainability-nitrates/#nitrates-records or requested from the nitrates section by emailing nitrates@agriculture.gov.ie or phoning 076-106 4415.

Details

Forms can be submitted by email to nitrates@agriculture.gov.ie or posted to nitrates section, Dept of Agriculture, Food & Marine, Johnstown Castle, Co Wexford, Y35 PN52.

Take note where posting that the only accepted proof of postage is Swift Post receipt or registered post receipt.

Only forms submitted before 31 December 2020 will be eligible for nitrates credit for 2020.

This is essential where farmers are at risk of exceeding the limit of 170kg organic nitrogen per hectare and the higher limit of 250kg organic nitrogen per hectare for those availing of a derogation.