EU approves nitrates derogation

IRELAND’S application for a derogation under the nitrates directive was approved by the European Commission yesterday.

Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan welcomed the decision, which will allow application of a higher amount of livestock manure than that provided for in the nitrates directive on qualifying farms, subject to certain conditions.

“The derogation will be available to grassland farms on an individual basis and is a very significant development for some of our intensive farmers, particularly those in the dairying sector,” she said.