IFA seeks workable terms on nitrates

Ireland: The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) has demanded that discussions with the EU Commission on the Irish Nitrates Action Programme must include, from the very start, provision for a workable derogation from the organic nitrogen limit of 170kg per hectare included in the directive.

Environmental Committee chairman Tom Dunne said the Irish Government must not give in to unreasonable pressure or threats, from any quarter, on the Irish Action Programme, which is a considered and complete response to Ireland’s obligations under the Nitrates Directive.

“An organic nitrogen limit of 250kg per hectare, as included in the action programme, is crucial to the future of competitive farming in Ireland, allowing Irish farmers compete using their natural competitive advantages of livestock production from grass,” he said.