Directive has only widened divisions

THE Nitrates Directive has divided the farmer and his agricultural advisor, and driven IFA, ICOS and Macra out of the National Partnerships talks, and widened the gulf between ICMSA and IFA.

Instead of healing the divisions, most of the combatants seem to be looking for scapegoats, to shelter behind the idea that someone else is to blame.

Much energy and effort went into negative initiatives, such as the votes of no confidence in the director and chairman of Teagasc.