Penalty for exceeding nitrates directive stocking limits cut to 5%

The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association has welcomed the Department of Agriculture’s decision to only impose a 5% penalty on the payments of farmers who have exceeded nitrates directive stocking limits.

Farmers were previously docked 15% of their farm payments for exceeding the nitrates directive.

The department’s penalty revision applies to those farmers with an approved derogation, who exceed the stocking limits set down in their derogation of 250kg nitrates per hectare per year, but are less than or equal to 300kg nitrates per hectare per year.

“The ICMSA had sought this review of penalties applied to derogation farmers, and we are very satisfied with confirmation by the department of a 10% reduction in the penalty on payments to farmers who exceed the stocking limits set down in their derogation,” said Patrick Rohan, chairman of ICMSA’s farm services and environment committee.

“Farmers who were slightly in breach of the regulations were previously subjected to a 15% penalty on their scheme payments, but that this will now be reduced to 5% for 2011 onwards.”

However, Mr Rohan said it is important to note that all other categories of penalties remain the same, as does the application of repetition penalties in respect of repeated breaches.

He said that, for herds planning expansion, it is essential that farmers check their position and make arrangements to avoid penalties.

This may involve applying for a derogation which can still be applied for online up to April 14, or some alternative arrangement such as exporting slurry.