A review of the conditions of the nitrates derogation is to be conducted this year due to the marked increase in the number of farmers availing of it.

Last year, 7,000 intensively stocked farmers with an agricultural area of 466,000ha availed of the derogation. This is up from 5,800 farmers covering an area of 332,200ha in 2014.

In this period, the average number of livestock units per derogation farm has increased from 139 to 157.

Efficiency

Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed said: “In order to ensure the sustainable continuation of the derogation, a review will examine further opportunities for derogation farmers to improve efficiencies and continue to reduce their environmental footprint.”

The Department of Agriculture cited derogation as an important facility for more intensive farmers, particularly in the dairy sector, and said it was essential its environmental credentials were maintained.

A review will examine further opportunities for derogation farmers to improve efficiencies and continue to reduce their environmental footprint

Derogation allows farmers to exceed the limit of 170kg of nitrogen per hectare, up to a maximum of 250kg per hectare, subject to adherence to stricter rules as set out in the Nitrates Directive.

Farmers engaged in soil sampling, nutrient management planning and complied with an increased inspection regime in order to ensure they are farming to a high environmental standard.

2019 applications

Applications for derogation in 2019 can now be submitted online.

Minister Creed said: “I would encourage more intensively stocked farmers to engage early with this application process and discuss the need for a derogation with their agricultural adviser.”

The closing date for applications is 31 March 2019 and they can be submitted through www.agfood.ie

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