ICMSA warns €800 nitrates penalty is ‘excessive and unacceptable’

The average penalty of €800 levied on over 1,500 farmers in 2013 for breaching the nitrates 170kg limit was described by the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association yesterday as excessive and unacceptable.

John Comer, president, called for a complete reform of the system so that such penalties can be eliminated altogether.

He said the nitrates penalties provide a very clear example of how the inspection system actually works against the possibility of farmers even attempting to rectify what is usually just the slightest breach of the limits.