Cork farmer says lack of 'compassion' by minister 

"We really needed understanding and help, and I really think you’ve blown the confidence of farmers in terms of that situation."

Conor O'Leary, IFA's Munster regional chairman. Picture: Dan Linehan

There was a lack of “understanding” and “compassion” for farmers in the difficulties they faced as a result of the nitrates derogation being cut from 250kg to 220kg, the Irish Farmers’ Association’s AGM heard this week.

The IFA’s Munster regional chairman Conor O’Leary told Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue during the event that farmers are “running with extreme difficulties in terms of trying to get down to the 220kg”.