Country braces for nitrates impact

RURAL areas will be hard hit by the European Union nitrates directive, Independent MEP Marian Harkin has warned.

“It is no exaggeration to say that pig and poultry farming will be shut down if the current maximum rates of fertiliser as proposed by Teagasc are implemented,” she said.

Ms Harkin said rural areas benefited to the extent of €2.5 billion from the inputs and services purchased by farmers, and 75% of Irish grain was consumed by the pig and poultry sectors.