August deadline for EU nitrates programme

INTERESTED parties have until Tuesday, August 3, to respond in writing to the latest draft of a nitrates action programme due to be submitted to the European Commission.

The revised draft issued by Environment Minister Martin Cullen last week includes an explicit commitment to seek a derogation of up to 250kg of organic nitrogen per hectare per annum.

Former Kerry Group boss Denis Brosnan has been appointed as an independent adviser to the programme. He will examine all comments received and will make recommendations to the Minister, before the nitrates programme is finalised.