Unjust nitrates order threatens viability of farms
However, I wish to highlight the implications for farmers. Many of them on mixed land have a low stocking density and will therefore get a very low rate of chemical nitrogen for use on their farms.
As the stocking rate increases, the amount of chemical nitrogen required increases at a much greater rate.
Example: a farmer with 40 hectares of good land and a stocking rate of one cow to the acre, ie, 100 cows, will (assuming derogation applies over 170 kgs/ha) have 42 tonnes of 27.5% N available for use.
Another farmer with an 80-hectare holding including 40 hectares of hill/waste land, and also carrying 100 cows, will only have 20 tonnes available (because of the lower stocking rate diluted by the hill/waste land). This is where the injustice lies.
I don't have to ask which farmer will survive.
Since 1994, REPS has being operating in this country. This is a voluntary scheme covering 50,000 farms. There is a nutrient management plan for each farm compiled by a professional planner to EU standards.
The levels of chemical nitrogen allowed are substantially greater than what is included in the Nitrates Act. Research shows that nitrogen levels used in a REPS situation are causing no harm to the water quality in this country. Still, the injustice continues.
I have been farming within the REPS regulations for nine years. I have a chemical nitrates level of 32 tonnes (27.5 % N). Under the Nitrates Act, my farm limit will be 21 tonnes. This farm will be impossible to operate at these levels. Farmers not in REPS, but with the same stocking density, are in a similar situation and will not be able to sustain a living at this level.
Of course I can give up my environmental standards under REPS, improve land quality, increase stock numbers and then get a far greater nitrogen level to ensure I make a decent living.
This directive, aimed at improving water quality by decreasing stocking density, will have the opposite effect for many of us if we are to remain farming. All I want is to retain the nutrients limits set out in REPS.
At the recent national REPS conference, the head of EU environment policy spoke of his fear that land abandonment may be a problem in the future. I think he may be contributing to this himself with the way this nitrates directive is implemented.
I urge farmers to study their situation and start to realise that we need to convince the Government and farm organisations that some aspects of this act are unworkable.
Richard Connell
Gurtyowen
Toormore
Goleen
Co Cork
