Scientists agree calendar months should not dictate nitrate spreading

AGRICULTURAL scientists agree with Ireland’s farming groups that regulations on the spreading of nitrates should be defined by climactic conditions rather than adhering to strict calendar months.

The Agricultural Science Association (ASA) yesterday said they welcomed the bulk of the new nitrates regulations issued by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, but also said the continuation of the rigid calendar–based approach to slurry application is a missed opportunity.

The ASA did, however, note that the Department of Agriculture had shown some flexibility in the past three years in relation to EU rules on slurry spread- ing and noted this reason- able approach would need to be continued.

ASA president Pat O’Keeffe said: “The Minister for Agriculture should now take the opportunity to review how the regulations are administered and introduce a more streamlined approach, aimed at reducing the complexity in administration and compliance. A more simplified administration system would not compromise the environmental objectives.”

IFA president John Bryan has also called for a review of the calendar farming regime, and for the full ban on winter ploughing to be lifted. He called on Teagasc and the Depart- ment of Agriculture to work together to provide the necessary science to address these issues.

However, there was broad agreement from the IFA, other farming organisations and the ASA that the bulk of the content of the new nitrates directive was very positive.

All parties agreed that the directive would help sustain farming and restated the importance of farming and agricultural science to the EU.

ASA’s Pat O’Keeffe said it is reassuring that science has been the main driver in the amended regula- tions and he complimented the professionals in the public and private sectors who contributed to the more enlightened science- based approach.

The ASA president said: “We welcome the extension of the transition- al arrangements for the pigs and poultry sectors and the easing in the restrictions on the level of phosphate applied to grassland.

“However, there is still reason for concern about the impact of phosphorus deficiency on animal health. This was high- lighted by the ASA in its submission to the Department of Agriculture on the need for changes to the regulations,” he said.

The ASA president said changes in relation to the winter ploughing date and nitrogen and phosphorus for cereal crops are also welcome.

The new regulations were jointly unveiled by Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith and Environment Minister John Gormley. The two ministers negotiated with the EU Commission, armed with 45 sub- missions including some from the main farming groups and environmental non-governmental organisations.