Co-op body quits talks over nitrates
ICOS is the umbrella body for the country’s co-ops and its announcement followed similar action by the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) and Macra na Feirme.
The nitrates directive is a European Union measure aimed at protecting water from agricultural pollution. It came into force in Ireland on February 1, except for one part dealing with phosphorus limits, which has been deferred to allow further scientific examination by Teagasc.
ICOS president Padraig Gibbons said there is anger in the farming and agri-business sectors about how the issue is being handled.
“I find it unacceptable that there is a lack of commitment to review nitrogen limits, in addition to phosphorus limits,” he said.
Mr Gibbons said tens of thousands of farmers will suffer a severe income drop in the absence of acceptable changes that would put in place practical limits for nitrogen and phosphorus, and which recognises current production systems.
“This cannot be tolerated. ICOS is suspending involvement in the partnership talks until we are satisfied that the Government is taking account of the concerns of farmers and agri-business on the issue,” he said.
Further changes in the nitrates directive are also being sought by the Agricultural Science Association, whose members work in all sectors of the agri-food industry. ASA president James Fitzgerald welcomed the decision to defer implementation of the phosphorus elements in the action plan pending further advice from Teagasc, but said a review of the maximum nitrogen levels is also vital.
