Co-ops rule out playing any regulatory role related to the proposed Chemical Fertiliser Register

ICOS accepts greater levels of enforcement are needed to protect the sustainable image of Irish dairy farming

ICOS also wants lead-in times of at least three years to allow for new investments in slurry capacity, given the shortage of construction workers and building costs inflation.

Co-ops have objected to many of the measures proposed in Ireland’s draft Nitrates Action Programme.

And they have ruled out playing any regulatory or compliance role related to the proposed Chemical Fertiliser Register, although acknowledging it will require co-ops to record chemical fertiliser sales against individual farmers’ herd numbers.