New measures for farmers operating at a stocking rate in excess of 170kg organic nitrogen per hectare were announced last week by Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Darragh O’Brien and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue.

The measures relate to the liming of lands, use of low emission slurry spreading (LESS) technologies and the level of crude protein allowable in concentrates.

The rules have been written into the Nitrates Regulations as part of the EU regulations for Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters and now streamline a number of measures for farmers operating in excess of 170kg organic nitrogen/ha irrespective of if they are availing of a nitrates derogation.

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Minister O’Brien outlined: “These regulations apply the same requirement to all farmers over 170kg Organic N per ha. This is an important step up in the contribution of these farmers to support water quality.”

Precise requirements

There will be some allowance given to non-derogation farmers in terms of applying slurry with LESS equipment. Farmers who exceed 170kg N/ha and not availing of a derogation must spread all slurry applied from 15 April 2021 with LESS equipment. Nitrates derogation farmers must spread all slurry applied in 2021 with LESS equipment.

The exact details of the liming programme have not been announced but it is thought that farmers must abide by the recommendations identified by soil sampling.

In terms of restrictions on the crude protein content of concentrates the rules state that for the period 1 April to 15 September 2021 the maximum crude protein content in concentrates fed to grazing livestock is 15%.

It is critical to stress that there will be no further amendments beyond 15 April 2021

Commenting on the amended timeframe for the introduction of LESS, Minister McConalogue said: “I am happy to announce that following constructive discussions between myself and Minister O’Brien, a balance has been struck allowing a revised timeframe to prepare these farmers for switching to LESS equipment.

“It is critical to stress that there will be no further amendments beyond 15 April 2021. Both myself and Minister O’Brien are committed to our environmental commitments under the Nitrates Action Programme and Derogation.”

He added that over 7,900 applications for support under the TAMS have been received by his Department

Minister McConalogue said that farmers are embracing LESS technology, which he said has significant benefits in reducing ammonia emissions, improving the fertiliser value of slurry and increasing the window available for application of slurry.

He added that over 7,900 applications for support under the TAMS have been received by his Department with over 2,700 farmers paid to-date.

Another change has also been made to the Nitrates Action Programme, with the excretion rate increasing from 85kg organic nitrogen per annum to 89kg organic nitrogen.

This change will come into force from 1 January 2021.