The scientific basis for extending restrictions on fertiliser use to extensive farms has been questioned by drystock farmers.

A clampdown on fertiliser use on lower-stocked farms was proposed by the Department of Housing in a consultation paper which detailed possible additional measures under the nitrates action programme (NAP).

The document proposes that from 1 January 2025, there will be a chemical nitrogen (N) fertiliser limit of 90kg N/ha on farms with a stocking rate of less than 85kg organic N/ha.

Responding to the proposal, Vincent Roddy of the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) called on the Department of Housing to “pony up” the scientific evidence which justifies the targeting of extensive farmers.

“Where is the science to support this proposal?” the INHFA president asked.

Onus

“There is an onus on the Department of Housing to produce the scientific evidence on which this proposal is based,” Roddy added.

“If the scientific evidence isn’t there or can’t be made available, then the proposal should be withdrawn,” he maintained.

Roddy also expressed concern that the proposal came from the Department of Housing, given the current level of inspections being undertaken by local authority staff.

“Is there an element of regulatory overreach here?” Roddy asked.

“Farmers’ direct payments are already subject to scrutiny by the Department of Agriculture. Is it now the case that they will be under threat from the Department of Housing and others?,” he added.

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA) has also questioned the justification for extending fertiliser limits to lower-stocked farms.

ICSA general secretary Hugh Farrell said there was “no proper calculations” on which to base the latest proposed fertiliser usage cuts.

The Department of Housing proposals risked “putting fear into people” around the amount of fertiliser they spread, Farrell said.

Too much Irish farmland is already underperforming because insufficient fertiliser is being applied, Farrell maintained.

Ireland only escaped a fodder shortage this year because of the good back-end, the ICSA official pointed out.

Instead of imposing fertiliser restrictions, farmers should be encouraged to keep their lands productive, he said.