Peter McCann reports on the steps being taken in the Netherlands to curb phosphate production. Dutch farmers have exceeded the EU phosphate limit of 172.9m kg/yr for the past three years. Corrective action is clearly being taken in advance of negotiations with the EU on a renewal of the nitrates derogation, due to take place in 2018. Having visited Dutch dairy farmers earlier this week, it is clear that much of the production increase from the dairy sector in the Netherlands (+7% since the removal of production quotas) has been in preparation for what is effectively now an environmental quota. The Dutch phosphate issues stem from the nature of the intensive production system with bought-in feed typically equating to 8-10t DM/ha.
Peter McCann reports on the steps being taken in the Netherlands to curb phosphate production. Dutch farmers have exceeded the EU phosphate limit of 172.9m kg/yr for the past three years. Corrective action is clearly being taken in advance of negotiations with the EU on a renewal of the nitrates derogation, due to take place in 2018.
Having visited Dutch dairy farmers earlier this week, it is clear that much of the production increase from the dairy sector in the Netherlands (+7% since the removal of production quotas) has been in preparation for what is effectively now an environmental quota. The Dutch phosphate issues stem from the nature of the intensive production system with bought-in feed typically equating to 8-10t DM/ha.
There are lessons for Ireland in dealing with environmental issues. While Ireland’s grass-based dairy system delivers a negative phosphate loading, there are still a number of environmental issues circulating in the background, such as methane emissions. We must be in a position to show scientifically that the industry is proactive in addressing environmental concerns if we are to avoid being forced into a similar position to the Dutch.
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