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Over 11,000 farms will be subject to stricter rules around nitrates from 1 January 2021 following the introduction of new measures under the nitrates regulations.
The rules have already been applied on 6,500 farms availing of a nitrates derogation. They will now be extended to an estimated 5,000 further farms stocked above 170kg N/ha but staying outside derogation through slurry exports.
The new measures include a liming requirement, the use of low emission slurry spreading (LESS) technology for all slurry and a reduction in crude protein in rations.
Level playing field
“These regulations apply the same requirement to all farmers over 170Kg N/ha. This is an important step up in the contribution of these farmers to support water quality,” Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien said.
His department is responsible for overseeing the nitrates regulations.
Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said the measures provided farmers with the opportunity to “improve their environmental footprint while improving and protecting water quality”.
The ministers said the revision of the regulation to include all farms over 170kg N/ha would ensure a level playing field and that those farmers not in derogation play their part in protecting water quality.
LESS
The majority of the measures will come into force on 1 January 2021. However, the introduction of the compulsory LESS requirement will be delayed until 15 April 2021 for farms over 170kg N/ha but not in derogation.
Derogation farmers will be required to continue using all LESS methods.
Minister McConalogue said the delay would allow farmers the necessary time frame to switch to LESS equipment. He stressed there would be no further amendments beyond 15 April.
“We all must work collectively to ensure the measures contained within the nitrates action programme and derogation are adhered to while also ensuring that productive farmers are supported,” he said.
Along with the new farm management practices, the long touted changes to dairy cow exertion rates will be made on 1 January. It will see the excretion rate of a dairy cow increase from 85kg N to 89kg N.
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