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.