Call to extend Ireland’s nitrates derogation

Maria Walsh MEP has written to EU Commissioner Jessika Roswall urging the European Commission to extend Ireland’s nitrates derogation and deliver a stable, long-term framework for the Irish agricultural sector.

The intervention comes ahead of the expected vote on the extension of the nitrates derogation at the Nitrates Committee meeting on December 9, and just weeks before the current derogation is due to expire.

MEP Walsh, who is a full member of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, has warned that failure to extend the derogation could devastate not only farm families, but rural communities across Ireland. Removal of the derogation could cost the Irish economy €45 billion between 2026 to 2035, with milk cheques cut by €555 million every year.

Speaking on the issue, Maria Walsh MEP says: “With just over a month until Ireland’s nitrates derogation expires, farmers are still in the dark as to the future of their businesses and livelihoods. There would be a national outcry if business owners in any other sector faced this level of uncertainty - so why is it acceptable for our farmers?” she questions.

“Farmers need answers, and they need certainty. Our agricultural sector is fully committed to improving water quality and meeting higher environmental standards, but they cannot continue to invest without long-term economic certainty.

“Ireland’s long growing season and our grass-based systems create unique conditions that justify a continuation of the derogation, and the progress being made by farmers strengthens that case further.

She claimed Commissioner Roswall saw this “first-hand” during a visit to the Durkan family farm in Kildare earlier this month, where young farmer Kayleigh has returned from Australia to carry on her family’s work.

“Her story reflects precisely what is at stake: if we want young people to remain in the sector, invest, and build a future in rural Ireland, then we must give them stability,” Ms Walsh believes.