ICSMA urges rethink on nitrate plan

Ireland: A serious rethink of the draft action programme for implementing the EU nitrates directive in Ireland is being sought by the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association.

It has come out strongly against the programme drawn up by the Department of the Environment in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture and Food and Teagasc.

Rural Development Committee chairperson Lorcan McCabe said the ICMSA has serious problems with the proposed close period for land spreading of slurry (October 1 to January 15) and the minimum slurry storage requirements.