Farmer are being reminded to submit their nitrates position for 2014, taking any necessary and appropriate action to ensure they do not incur a penalty this year.

Organic nitrogen volumes on the farm cannot exceed 170kg/ha or, where a farmer is availing of the derogation, 250kg/ha. This is, in effect, the overall stocking rate of the holding and is established by comparing the livestock numbers for the holding with the area of land described on the Single Farm Payment application form. These farmers were advised earlier in the year that they had exceeded the limits.

There has been regular contact by the Department with farmers this year to raise awareness of potential breaches for 2014.

Where a farmer is at risk of exceeding the limit in the current year, the Department urges that they talk to their adviser. Where additional short-term grazing has been secured or slurry exported from the holding, this will be taken into account in establishing the final stocking rate for the holding and possibly avoid such penalties.

Notification of these lands or slurry exports must be made before 31 December 2014 to nitrates section Johnstown Castle, if they are to be taken into account.