'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.

Another new measure introduced as part of the review is the requirement to notify the movement/export of organic nutrients between holdings within four days of the movement occurring.

Commenting, Mr Murphy said: "Farmers are committed to playing their part to improve water quality and have made significant changes to management practices under the current programme, but the pace of regulatory change is a major concern.

“The constantly evolving regulatory and non-regulatory measures are adding significantly to the pressure on farms. We now need a period of stability with no further regulations to provide farmers greater certainty to be able to plan and provide time for the measures to deliver improvements in water quality and their impact quantified.

"The 5% reduction in the maximum nitrogen allowance on grassland is going to present challenges for farmers and will require many to take steps to improve nitrogen management through improved grazing management and utilisation of organic nutrient in order for production to be maintained."

He said the IFA had strongly opposed the extension of the maximum organic N limit of 220kg/ha to include additional areas in the EPA Targeting Agricultural Measures Map from December 1, 2025, as its potential to improve water quality is not clear.

“...This measure is, at best, premature,” he added.