Farmers need more advice on Directive

THE Nitrate Directive came into force last Tuesday, and compliance is now a legal requirement - other than the limits on phosphate use on farms which have been briefly deferred, in agreement with the European Commission.

The implications of the Directive for farming are still extremely serious. The regulations and technical calculations necessary for the farmer to remain within the legally binding limits are quite complex.

It is absurd for the Department of Agriculture to say that they will rely on an explanatory brochure, and will not hold information meetings for the farmers who face draconian penalties, on conviction of breaches of the new laws.