The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) has requested an extension to the period in which farmers are permitted to spread any stocks of granulated unprotected urea still remaining on farms.
The Department of Agriculture issued a reminder this week, reiterating to farmers that solid unprotected urea will not be permitted for use after 14 September.
Unprotected urea in liquid form, as well as that included in blends at a rate of less than 1%, will remain permitted for use next year.
IFA environment chair John Murphy stated that “sense needs to prevail here” in the association’s request for flexibility, as there is just over one week left before the closed period for chemical fertiliser kicks in.
Reality
“The reality is there will be many farmers with relatively small amounts of unprotected urea left on farms,” Murphy said.
“Farmers should be given the flexibility to spread this next spring and not force them to spread it in the coming days."
The environment chair warned that the pending deadline could force farmers to put out leftover unprotected urea supplies in less-than-ideal weather conditions.
“This is of benefit to no one, does not reflect best practice and could ultimately have a negative impact on water quality,” he said.
SHARING OPTIONS