IFA President Francie Gorman said the vote in Brussels today to extend the Nitrates derogation for three years, up to the end of 2028, will be a relief to farmers, but a longer-term solution is needed.
“This outcome is not an ‘opt out’ from the Nitrates Directive as some like to portray it. Higher stocking rates are provided for under Annex 3 of the EU Nitrates Directive and those who apply annually for permission to operate at higher stocking rates will have to implement many additional measures,” he said.
“The vote today recognises our grass-based system and comes after a concerted campaign across the sector to convince the EU Commission that the relentless focus on water quality across the sector is bringing about improvements. This intensive work must and will continue,” he said.
He said that the extension was granted on condition that appropriate assessments, under the Habitats Directive, will be carried out at catchment level where farmers are availing of the higher stocking limits in that catchment.
“I would like to acknowledge the commitment shown by the Government and the Minister for Agriculture to secure today’s outcome. I would also acknowledge the support of opposition politicians, the co-ops and other rural businesses. This was a national effort supported by those who realise the importance of farming to the rural economy,” he said.
Commenting from Brussels, IFA Dairy Chair Martin McElearney said today’s vote follows an extensive consultation process on the draft Sixth Nitrates Action Programme, which proposes new measures aimed at advancing farmers’ ongoing efforts to enhance water quality.
However, he cautioned that challenges remain. “How the appropriate assessment process will be applied is very much an unknown and is a potentially serious concern for farmers. It brings a new challenge for the sector,” he said.
IFA Environment Chair John Murphy outlined his relief that common sense has prevailed with the decision to extend the derogation for a further three years.
“The concentrated efforts by farmers under the previous programme to improve water quality have been recognised. Securing a long-term, workable solution, that recognises our grass-based system has to remain the ultimate goal.”
