Up to 41,000 cows could be culled to meet nitrates derogation levels 

Tim Lombard said an 'animal welfare catastrophe' will occur if Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue does not intervene

Farmers affected will have three ways to meet the reduced limits on nitrates. These include reducing animal numbers, increasing the amount of land they have, or finding someone to take slurry from their holdings. Picture: Denis Minihane

Up to 41,000 cows could be slaughtered in the next 10 weeks as a result of changes to Ireland’s nitrates derogation, a Fine Gael politician has claimed.

Cork South West Senator Tim Lombard, a farmer, has said an “animal welfare catastrophe” will occur if Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue does not intervene.

Earlier this month, the minister published the final implementation map which showed most of the country remains included in the zoned area, which will come into effect in the new year.

Ireland's derogation agreement with the European Commission allowed a minority of more intensively stocked farmers to produce 250kg per hectare.

However, because of the water quality issues, the limit for Irish derogation farmers will now fall to 220kg per hectare from the first of January.

Farmers affected will have three ways to meet the reduced limits on nitrates. These include reducing animal numbers, increasing the amount of land they have, or finding someone to take slurry from their holdings.

Mr Lombard said the farming sector estimates that 41,000 cows, many who are in calf, will have to be slaughtered.

He said: “Both the farming sector and the department estimate that of the 7,000 derogation farmers in the country, 3,000 farm between 220kg and 250kg and will be impacted.

“Based on an average number of 162 cows on derogation farms and assuming that there are 1000 farmers in each of the three categories (220-230kg, 230-240kg and 240-250kg), this will mean that the potential loss to each individual farmers at 220-230kg is 7 cows, 14 cows at 230-240kg and 20 cows at 240-250kg.

“This is a loss of 41,000 cows in just over 10 weeks,” he said.

A spokesperson for Minister McConalogue said the budget measure announced which will see farmers able to avail of 70% grant aid for slurry storage facilities will be the preferred option rather than culling cattle.

“Exporting slurry is expected to be the preferred option where they can for many farmers affected by the nitrates derogation cut in areas where a farmer willing to import slurry can be found. The budget announcement has been welcomed by the sector,” they said.

The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and Marine will hold hearings in the coming weeks on all aspects of the nitrates derogation with a view to reporting directly to the EU Commission.