Minister to Address IFA National Meeting on Nitrates Derogation
IFA will hold a national meeting on the retention of a workable Nitrates derogation in Corrin Mart, Fermoy, Co. Cork on Mon, Nov 3rd at 7.30pm.
The Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon has agreed to address the meeting.
IFA President Francie Gorman said the campaign to retain the derogation is entering a crucial phase as the EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswell is scheduled to visit Ireland on Fri, Nov 7th.
“We want to send a very strong message about the importance of the derogation and the unrelenting focus across the sector – from farmers to co-ops to State agencies – in improving water quality. Corrin Mart is an opportunity for farmers to give full voice to what it means for their own business and the need for certainty as they make plans for the future,” he said.
Francie Gorman said the meeting will allow Minister Heydon to hear from farmers across the country about their farm’s viability and how the derogation is inextricably linked to handing the farm onto the next generation.
“Many farms in derogation are within the range of the average herd size, which is fewer than 100 cows. It will not be possible to move their plans forward if Ireland doesn’t secure an extension of the derogation,” he said.
The IFA President said further details about the meeting will be released in the coming days.
“In the meantime, I am asking farmers to keep this date free and to attend for a final push on our campaign to keep the derogation.”
