IFGA concerned at nitrates directive

THE Irish Feed and Grain Association (IFGA) has expressed alarm at the manner in which the nitrates directive legislation has been presented to the industry.

IFGA director Deirdre Webb, speaking at its annual review and outlook briefing in Dublin, said clean water is undeniably a right of everyone in society and the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) objectives for water may be scientifically sound.

However, the confusion and frustration expressed by experts on the effects of this legislation on intensive agricultural producers must not be ignored.

“We are particularly concerned about the effect the legal limits will have on the pig and poultry sector,” she said, stressing that feed manufacturers remain committed to supporting these farmers’ efforts to reduce nutrient loss to the environment.

Ms Webb said the industry needs guidance and funding to operate the new legislation.

“Urban and rural solutions for phosphate run-off must be funded equally and the public should not condemn an industry not provided with the information or advice to deal with a complex problem for which it is only partially to blame.”

The IFGA said strong final quarter feed sales would bring 2005 compound feed production close to 2004 levels of 3.5 million tonnes.

The total Irish harvest last year was 1.7 million tonnes, compared to around 2.4 million tonnes in 2004.

The IFGA said it expects demand to remain steady.