Some 6,746 farmers applied for a nitrates derogation ahead of the March deadline, figures from the Department of Agriculture show.This was a 2% drop compared to last year, when 6,891 applications were received.
Some 6,746 farmers applied for a nitrates derogation ahead of the March deadline, figures from the Department of Agriculture show.
This was a 2% drop compared to last year, when 6,891 applications were received.
However, a Department spokesperson said fertiliser accounts for 2018 are still being processed so a final count is unavailable.
With a derogation in place, farmers can exceed the 170kg/ha organic nitrogen limit up to a maximum of 250kg/ha, subject to stricter rules.
The review was prompted by a marked increase in the area of land being farmed under derogation since 2014
Ireland’s nitrates derogation is currently under review, with a public consultation also under way.
The review was prompted by a marked increase in the area of land being farmed under derogation since 2014.
Between 2014 and 2018, the area under derogation jumped by 34% to 445,200ha.
During the same period, the Environmental Protection Agency recorded a 3% deterioration in Ireland’s water quality and an increase in both greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions.
Recommendations from the review will be published in June 2019, for implementation next year.
Read more
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Environment: derogation public consultation
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