Regulations adjusted for extra fodder growth

Temporary adjustments to nitrates regulations have been announced, in order to support additional fodder production on farms.

In recognition of the severe difficulties being experienced by farmers due to shortage of fodder and the serious risk of a further shortage this autumn and winter, there has been a discounting of some concentrate feeding when calculating the level of phosphorus allowed on grassland farms in 2013 and 2014.

And there is an extension of two weeks to the period during with chemical fertiliser can be applied to grassland.