IFA critical of nitrates proposals
IFA deputy president Ruaidhri Deasy said while the documents set out the compelling case Ireland has for an organic nitrogen limit of 250 kg per hectare, they also propose an excessive bureaucratic regime which will impose excessive costs on farmers for no environmental gain.
The first document sets out the case for an organic nitrogen limit of 250 Kg per hectare, taking into account Ireland’s climate, soils, and predominantly grass based production systems.
A second document, prepared by the Department of Agriculture, is a draft guidance for farmers which sets out how they should comply with the requirements of the action programme.
And the third document reports on animal manure storage research and facilities, and reports that specifications for earthen bank tanks and constructed wetlands will be published in November.
However, the publication of a specification for out-wintering pads awaits the results of further research.
Mr Deasy said the IFA will engage in the development of sensible measures which farmers can implement to meet the requirements of nitrates directive, but which should not require additional excessive bureaucracy and costs on farmers.
Rejecting the proposals, ICMSA president Pat O’Rourke said they involve a massive restriction on normal farming, increased bureaucracy and increased costs on over 10,000 Irish farms.
