Nitrates derogation vital, say farmers

Farmers will continue to lobby the Government in the coming weeks to ensure Ireland retains its derogation on EU nitrates regulations.

IFA president Joe Healy this week led a delegation in meetings with Agriculture Minister Michael Creed and Local Government Minister Simon Coveney to set out farmers’ priorities in the EU’s forthcoming review of the nitrates regulations.

Joe Healy said: “Farmers have made a real contribution to an improved rural environment. Over €2bn has been spent on slurry storage and on ensuring farmyards are at the highest environmental standards. This has delivered a 92% reduction in rivers that are classified as seriously polluted.”