Farmer’s own closed period suggested

FARMERS should be allowed select their own closed period of eight to 11 weeks, within the existing 13 to 16 week frameworks, depending on which of three geographical zones they farm in, according to Macra’s submission on the nitrates review.

Macra president Michael Gowing said: “This flexible system would facilitate farmers to select an extended timeframe for spreading organic fertiliser based on their own farming system, growing conditions and weather patterns.

“Macra believes there is strong scientific, environmental and grassland management reasons to allow more flexible spreading of slurry during the existing closed period in the Nitrates Directive”.

In the proposed Macra system farmers would indicate their closed period preference in advance on the existing closing date, or revert to the default timeframe.

A nitrates review expert advisory group is examining 44 submissions and will make recommendations to the Government on our second five-year nitrates action programme – and derogation to allow farmers continue above the standard limit of 170 kg of nitrogen per hectare but not above 250 kg. Government proposals will go to the European Commission for approval. Teagasc has suggested 21 amendments to the regulations restricting the spread and storage of fertiliser by farmers.