Minister announces nitrate scheme

A SCHEME to support the demonstration of new technologies to help the agriculture sector meet the requirements of the nitrates directive is to be introduced, Minister Mary Coughlan said yesterday.

She said financial support is envisaged for up to ten projects, which would demonstrate the advantages of emerging technologies in reducing the volume of livestock manures or their nutrient content, particularly from pigs and poultry.

The maximum investment ceiling per project will be €1 million and the total State contribution at a grant-rate of 40% will be up to €4m.