All sectors must play part in green goal, says IFA

FARMERS reiterated yesterday that they were committed to clean water and to protecting the natural environment, both in its own right and as a vital resource base for agriculture and the food industry.

But IFA president John Dillon warned that if the central clean water goal of the EU Nitrates Directive is to be achieved, all sectors of the economy must play their part, measured against an accurate scientific baseline of nutrient loadings, including natural background levels. “Farmers cannot be expected, or required, to make any more than their fair contribution under EU and national legislation,” he said.

Mr Dillon made his comments when announcing that the IFA had made a submission on the directive to Environment Minister Martin Cullen in advance of talks with the Government on the implementation of action programmes.