Farmers delivering on water quality

The EPA study on water quality to 2008 which was reported in your paper (Apr 1, 2013) is outdated as it fails to recognise the significant investment undertaken by farmers and additional regulations imposed on the sector in recent years.

Over €2.5billion has been spent upgrading manure storage facilities from 2006-2008 and more efficient and effective methods of nutrient management have been developed. These measures are providing a significant and ongoing beneficial impact on water quality. Concerns raised regarding land drainage and other necessary farm improvements in the EPA report are now being addressed by the Land Improvement Regulations, which were introduced two years ago.

All together a robust package of environment measures called for in the report now exist, including a nitrates directive, which place stringent obligations on farmers. The measures are working. The farming community is working constructively with the EPA and other agencies.

It is therefore disappointing that farmers were again singled out by your reporter when all aspects of water pollution were identified in the EPA report.

Some recognition and encouragement for the work of our farm families in maintaining and improving our environment is justified.

Harold Kingston

National Chairman

IFA Environment & Rural Affairs Committee