IFA urges minister to immediately lift restrictions on slurry spreading

THE Irish Farmers Association (IFA) yesterday called on Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith to lift the current slurry spreading restriction and allow farmers to spread essential farm nutrients in advance of the important grass-growing season.

Farmers under EU environmental regulations are normally prohibited from spreading livestock manure, which includes both farmyard manure and slurry, between set dates in October and January.

But due to the difficult weather conditions last year Mr Smith, following consultations with Environment Minister John Gormley, announced two extensions to allow spreading to continue until December. Spreading is not allowed recommence until later this month. But the IFA want an immediate start in order to avail of current good weather.