Tillage farmer John Johnston, Coolishall, Clogh, Co Wexford, taking soil samples to test nitrates.
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The water stakeholder group has met twice since details emerged 10 days ago of Minister Heydon’s proposed inclusion of the habitats directive into Ireland’s nitrates derogation application.
Talking to some of the stakeholders who were at the meetings, the realisation is dawning that going down any road towards ‘appropriate assessment’ is not as clearcut a solution as some expect.
The reality is even if the new assessment is not completed on an individual farm basis, it could impact all farmers, not just derogation farmers.
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The assessment could be challenged by individuals or entities with a blocking agenda irrespective of how good a job some farmers are doing in terms of mitigating nutrient loss.
Targeted attack
The targeted attack on the derogation farmers, some of the best nutrient managers in the country, might just be the thin edge of the wedge.
The meetings with senior Department officials have been described as difficult and dysfunctional with huge concern that all “grazing” farms (not just derogation farms) could become part of any sub-catchment assessment.
Sensible, practical and collective industry negotiations must continue this week as a matter of priority. Ireland’s efforts to convince the European Commission of its unique sustainable grazing system that can co-exist beside improving water quality must be delivered. Otherwise it’s a serious missed opportunity and someone must be held accountable.
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The water stakeholder group has met twice since details emerged 10 days ago of Minister Heydon’s proposed inclusion of the habitats directive into Ireland’s nitrates derogation application.
Talking to some of the stakeholders who were at the meetings, the realisation is dawning that going down any road towards ‘appropriate assessment’ is not as clearcut a solution as some expect.
The reality is even if the new assessment is not completed on an individual farm basis, it could impact all farmers, not just derogation farmers.
The assessment could be challenged by individuals or entities with a blocking agenda irrespective of how good a job some farmers are doing in terms of mitigating nutrient loss.
Targeted attack
The targeted attack on the derogation farmers, some of the best nutrient managers in the country, might just be the thin edge of the wedge.
The meetings with senior Department officials have been described as difficult and dysfunctional with huge concern that all “grazing” farms (not just derogation farms) could become part of any sub-catchment assessment.
Sensible, practical and collective industry negotiations must continue this week as a matter of priority. Ireland’s efforts to convince the European Commission of its unique sustainable grazing system that can co-exist beside improving water quality must be delivered. Otherwise it’s a serious missed opportunity and someone must be held accountable.
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