Inflexible farming calendar restricts expansion hopes

The nitrates regulations have been in force for seven years, and the second review is underway.

Submissions have been made to make changes that will impact farms. Ministers Simon Coveney and Phil Hogan have introduced measures recognising the hardship caused by weather. This pragmatism is a basis for negotiations during this review, which must make the regulations workable. IFA’s environment committee chairman, Harold Kingston, looks at the key issues.

*What are the big concerns for farmers in this review?