Dillon spells out derogation danger

THE derogation approach to the Nitrates Directive is totally inappropriate, the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Environment was told this week by IFA President John Dillon.

He said it was used by Denmark, but 80% of Danish soils are vulnerable to nitrate leaching, whereas more than 90% of agricultural land in Ireland is under grass, which is scientifically acknowledged as being most effective in limiting nitrogen losses.

Danish farmers may apply up to 230 kg organic nitrogen per hectare subject to very restrictive conditions.