IFA’s Deasy withdraws from Teagasc board

IFA deputy president Ruaidhri Deasy yesterday withdrew from the board of Teagasc in protest over its role in advising the Government on the implementation of the controversial EU nitrates directive.

His decision was announced as 200 farmers protested at the Teagasc environmental research centre at Johnstown Castle in Co Wexford over what they claimed are over-restrictive conditions which compel farmers to reduce the use of nitrates on their lands to protect waterways.

IFA president John Dillon accused Teagasc of selling out farmers through their support for the Government’s position on a nitrates action programme for Ireland.