The conditions being attached to Ireland’s hoped-for extension of the nitrates derogation are emerging.

The Irish Farmers Journal understands that farmers in the Slaney, Barrow, Nore and Blackwater river catchments will have to adhere to new buffer zones for slurry and fertiliser, along with a 5% cut to chemical nitrogen rates.

These measures are set to come into force in 2028 and will only impact derogation farmers. The new restriction on chemical nitrogen will mean the maximum rate will now be 203kg N/ha on higher stocked farms.

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Land that is currently at 250kg N/ha of an organic stocking rate limit and which wasn’t reduced to 220kg N/ha on 1 December will remain at 250kg N/ha.

The conditions are subject to change, pending the outcome of the An Taisce court case. A hearing on the case, which is being heard at the European Court of Justice is taking place next week.