The measure was initially proposed in 2024 by the Agricultural Water Quality Working Group and was finalised as part of the fifth nitrates action programme’s (NAP) additional measures in February.
Farm organisations such as the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) have criticised the move previously saying that the “constantly evolving” regulatory measures are “adding significantly to the pressure on farms”. \ Donal O' Leary
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The Department of Agriculture plans to implement its ban on the use of traditional urea later this year.
From 15 September 2025, farmers will be prohibited from using unprotected urea in granular form.
The measure was initially proposed in 2024 by the Agricultural Water Quality Working Group and was finalised as part of the Nitrates Action Programme’s (NAP) additional measures in February this year.
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Between 1 October 2024 and 31 March 2025, farmers purchased 63,025t of straight urea compared to 62,730t of protected urea. Farm organisations such as the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) have criticised the move previously saying that the “constantly evolving” regulatory measures are “adding significantly to the pressure on farms”. Responding to an Irish Farmers Journal query, a spokesperson for the Department said: “In February 2025 the fifth Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) additional measures were finalised and the nitrates regulations were amended by S.I. 42 of 2025 which includes a provision to facilitate a restriction on the use of unprotected urea in granular form.
“Within the fifth NAP additional measures this restriction will apply from the 15 of September 2025 as publicised previously.
“Applying this restriction from September 2025 was designed to give farmers a lead-in time to use up stocks during 2025.”
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Title: Ban on traditional urea to go ahead
The measure was initially proposed in 2024 by the Agricultural Water Quality Working Group and was finalised as part of the fifth nitrates action programme’s (NAP) additional measures in February.
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The Department of Agriculture plans to implement its ban on the use of traditional urea later this year.
From 15 September 2025, farmers will be prohibited from using unprotected urea in granular form.
The measure was initially proposed in 2024 by the Agricultural Water Quality Working Group and was finalised as part of the Nitrates Action Programme’s (NAP) additional measures in February this year.
Between 1 October 2024 and 31 March 2025, farmers purchased 63,025t of straight urea compared to 62,730t of protected urea. Farm organisations such as the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) have criticised the move previously saying that the “constantly evolving” regulatory measures are “adding significantly to the pressure on farms”. Responding to an Irish Farmers Journal query, a spokesperson for the Department said: “In February 2025 the fifth Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) additional measures were finalised and the nitrates regulations were amended by S.I. 42 of 2025 which includes a provision to facilitate a restriction on the use of unprotected urea in granular form.
“Within the fifth NAP additional measures this restriction will apply from the 15 of September 2025 as publicised previously.
“Applying this restriction from September 2025 was designed to give farmers a lead-in time to use up stocks during 2025.”
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