Derogation concerns at Tullamore Show
The impacts of the potential reduction from 250kg of nitrogen per hectare (kg N/ha) to 220kg N/ha as part of the Nitrates Derogation on Lakeland Dairies farm families was outlined to Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue TD at the Tullamore Show on Sunday.
Such a move would “serious consequences” for many Lakeland Dairies’ farm families, according to co-op chairman Niall Matthews who spoke to the Minister at the show directly about the issue.
Ireland has been granted a derogation to exceed the European standard of 170kg N/ha once strict criteria to enhance water quality has been met. Some 8,000 farmers avail of the Derogation, which allows them to have a 250kg N/ha limit.
However, the maximum livestock manure nitrogen per hectare limit could be reduced to 220kg N/ha from January 2024 as part of an ongoing mid-term review of Ireland’s derogation.
Mr Matthews outlined the need to maintain derogation at its current level.
Having spoken to a number of farmers at the Lakeland Dairies stand at the Tullamore Show, Mr Matthew said: “There was definitely a heightened sense of concern over the uncertainty surrounding the nitrates derogation. Any move to reduce the derogation limit from 250kg N/ha to 220kg N/ha would severely impact the ability of many of our farm families to remain productive. Our farmers are showing great leadership in the space of improving water quality.”
He also spoke about how Lakeland farmers are taking steps to improve water quality on farm.
“We know how important it is not only to maintain but improve our water quality standards. We are leaders in the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) and we have helped farmers invest in sustainable farming practices through the FundEquip scheme.
“Efforts have been made to drive further sustainability and water quality improvements. Lakeland Dairies will continue to champion and lead out on these initiatives. However, significant changes such as reducing the Derogation limit to 220kg N/ha in just a few months’ time would have serious consequences. We are urging the minister and his officials to do all they can at European level to ensure this is protected for the remained of the current nitrates derogation.”