Nitrates Directive will force farmers out of business, claims IFA

FARMERS are to lobby TDs and senators over a key European Union measure to limit the use of nitrates on land to protect waterways.

The IFA claimed yesterday that compliance with a draft action programme prepared by the Government to implement the Nitrates Directive will cost farmers over €1 billion and force thousands of them out of business. And the ICMSA said it estimated a recurring income loss of €50 million per annum in the sector and predicted that individual farm incomes could fall by €5,000 per annum.

Both farm bodies have pledged to make the Nitrates Directive a key issue in the European and local elections.