Nitrates: West Cork farmer risks 45% profit drop

Raymond Goggin has a spring calving system, with a total of 60 hectares being farmed with milking platform making up 43 hectares. Picture: Gerard McCarthy

A West Cork farmer risks a net profit drop of 45% if the nitrates derogation is to be lost post-2025.

The industry is continuing to fight for the retention of the nitrates derogation, which allows farmers to operate at a higher level of either 220kg or 250kg of organic nitrogen per hectare, depending on the area, compared to the 170kg level applicable for non-derogation countries.