'The pace of regulatory change is a major concern': IFA challenges new nitrates measures

'The constantly evolving regulatory and non-regulatory measures are adding significantly to the pressure on farms,' IFA environment chairman John Murphy said

The extension of the maximum organic nitrogen (N) limit of 220kg/ha in some areas will have major cost implications for the farmers affected, IFA says.

Additional measures signed into law this week as part of the interim review of the fifth Nitrates Action Programme will further add to the challenges and complexity of nutrient management on farms, the IFA has warned.

Measures, such as the changes to nutrient excretion rates for young bovines and the option to reduce crude protein in concentrates fed to dairy cows, which are based on the latest scientific data, will provide some relief, but the extension of the maximum organic nitrogen (N) limit of 220kg/ha in some areas will have major cost implications for the farmers affected, IFA environment chairman John Murphy said.