Nitrates derogation expected to be continued until March

7,000 Irish farmers operate under a derogation

It is anticipated in the dairy industry that existing nitrate derogation measures will be maintained until an EU decision is made in March.

It is anticipated in the dairy industry that existing nitrate derogation measures will be maintained until an EU decision is made in March.

Nitrates derogation allows farmers to exceed the limit of 170kg of livestock manure nitrogen per hectare set out in the Nitrates Regulations, up to a maximum of 250 kg per hectare. However, the higher limit comes with the caveat of stricter rules.