Organic nitrogen limit draws nearer
The action programme will strengthen established “good housekeeping” farming rules.
The “whole territory” approach will limit organic nitrogen applied to land, for four years at 210 kg per hectare per year, in all areas.
A derogation will be sought from the European Commission for higher amounts (up to 250 kg per ha per annum) in appropriate conditions.
After four years, in the absence of derogations, a limit of 170 kg of organic nitrogen would apply. Environment Minister Martin Cullen said good housekeeping rules are already being applied, and exceeded, by many farmers. Some 37,000 farmers in REPS go beyond good agricultural practice and already comply with a maximum land spreading limit of 170 kg organic nitrogen.
He said agriculture is the last major sector largely unregulated for waste management. “Agriculture is identified as the dominant source of pollutants (nutrients, phosphorus and nitrogen) entering Irish waters and the largest single emitter of greenhouse gases. The benefits of good management by some farmers and of actions such as controls on industry and major investment in waste water treatment infrastructure will not be realised, unless all sources of pollution are addressed”.
IFA President John Dillon called on the Minister to honour the Government commitment to implement a 250 kg organic nitrogen limit in parts of the country with satisfactory water quality.
He said Government must also honour its commitment to ensure all sectors are required to take action on water quality.
