Last Tuesday, the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed said farmers undertaking the fallow land action under GLAS can apply for a derogation to use designated fields for fodder.

“Given the difficulties farmers are experiencing this year, on an exceptional basis, my Department is prepared to consider written requests for a derogation from the specifications for this action,” Minister Creed said.

“Written requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis. A visit to the land affected may be required before approval is granted,” he said.

Up to now, farmers who undertook this action had to mulch or mow the parcel at least once a year, but not between 1 March and 1 September annually. However, according to the specifications, no offtakes could be harvested from this parcel and it was also not allowed to be grazed by livestock. Spreading fertiliser on the parcel was also prohibited.

Farmers wishing to obtain a derogation from the specifications must write to the GLAS Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Johnstown Castle Estate, Co Wexford, or email glas@agriculture.gov.ie.

The relaxing of rules follows a similar decision at EU level for land lying fallow under greening rules and also to maximise fodder production under the current drought conditions.

N and P statements

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) statements incorporating sheep were posted to farmers with sheep who have a recorded N and P for 2017 of over 170kg/ha (250kg/ha for derogation holders) for 2017.

According to the Department, the sheep nitrogen figure was calculated from the number and type of sheep reported on the 2017 census.

They said if a farmer feels that this figure is incorrect, a more accurate figure for sheep may be obtained by completing the 2017 sheep quarterly breakdown form, which was included with the statement.

This form should be returned to the nitrates section by Friday 3 August.

If the census information regarding the sheep is correct, no form is required.