Warning cuts to Ireland's maximum stocking rate under derogation likely in 2024

The EPA’s latest report on water quality published this week is cause for concern: there has been no significant improvement in the water quality of rivers and lakes found.

Speaking at the Fine-Tuning Irish Dairy conference in Co Cork last week, ICOS chief executive TJ Flanagan said there are a “huge number” of farmers who “don’t know the full implications” of a reduced stocking rate for their farms, and potential loss of a derogation in years to come.

Direct intervention and a “step-up” in engagement with the European Commission have been urged as a reduced stocking rate looks increasingly likely under the nitrates derogation for 2024.

ICOS met with Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue to highlight the “considerable strain, worry, and anxiety at dairy farm level” about the derogation and stocking rates.