This is a subscriber-only article
A derogation for the three-crop rule has not yet been secured, despite statements to the contrary.
It's likely that a derogation will be achieved, as Commissioner Hogan has proposed that one be granted .
However, it needs approval from commission officials in DG Environment. According to a source in DG Agri, engagement at the highest level between the departments has been positive. It's understood that an application is also being made by the UK government for both Northern Ireland and Scotland, which will further strengthen the case for a derogation. As of now, no firm time scale on a final approval is known.
The hope will be it comes as soon as possible. Many are acting as if the derogation has already been achieved and the three-crop rule will not be in operation in Ireland this year. On Wednesday, the IFA issued a statement welcoming the derogation. On Thursday, Boortmalt sent a text message stating that the IFA had secured a derogation and that a single crop would suffice this year. They were offering extra seed to interested growers.
Barley seed availability could well be an issue, particularly as the weekend, which many regarded as the "last chance saloon" for planting beans, saw mixed weather and small acres set. Blanket barley planting may not be universally possible, or indeed, from a market and price perspective, advisable or helpful.
Commissioner Hogan issued issued the following clarification:
Following a request from Minister Creed, the European Commissioner for Agriculture & Rural Development, Commissioner Hogan has today confirmed his intention to propose a derogation for arable farmers in Ireland from the requirements for crop diversification under the greening provisions of the CAP.
The decision to propose a derogation for arable farmers in Ireland reflects near record levels of rainfall through the latter months of 2017 and the early months of 2018, which has resulted in farmers experiencing a shortage of animal feed in recent months and has left tillage farmers throughout the country unable to prepare the ground to sow crops, particularly spring crops, with the optimum sowing date having passed for the three most commonly used crops – spring beans, spring oats and spring wheat.
In view of the exceptional levels of rainfall, which is supported by data from a number of geographically spread meteorological weather stations, the Commissioner has concluded that the only effective support that can be provided to farmers is to derogate from the requirements for crop diversification.
SHARING OPTIONS: