There is less than two weeks left to submit Nitrates Derogation applications, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has said.

As of March 31, almost 4,000 derogation applications had been received, the Department confirmed to Agriland.

The deadline for applications is set to close on Thursday, April 13; the deadline was originally scheduled for the end of March, before an extension was announced.

The extension was announced in light of the significant interest in new derogation applications, according to the Department.

Highly-stocked farmers can avoid stocking rate penalties by applying for a Nitrates Derogation, has said.

The extended deadline, of April 13, also applies to the submission of ‘fertiliser accounts’ for those who availed of the Nitrates Derogation in 2016, it added.

Nitrates Derogation applications can only be submitted online using the Department’s web-based facilities. It is hoped the online system will simplify the application process and assist farmers to avoid penalties.

The Department also previously confirmed that almost 7,000 intensively-stocked farmers availed of the derogation in 2016.

Farmers are advised to contact their agricultural advisor to determine if they should avail of this facility.

Farmers can also remain compliant with the regulations by managing their livestock numbers, exporting enough slurry/farmyard manure or renting additional land.

End-of-year Nitrogen and Phosphorus statements (N&P statements) for 2016 are available on the Department’s online system.

The Nitrates Derogation is available to grassland farms on an individual basis, according to the Department. The derogation applies only to grazing livestock on the holding, it added.

Farmers who wish to avail of the derogation are required to make an annual application and farm in accordance with a fertiliser plan and a number of conditions.

The Nitrates Derogation allows farmers to exceed the limit of 170kg of livestock manure nitrogen per hectare set down in the Nitrates Regulations, up to a maximum of 250kg per hectare, subject to adherence to stricter rules.

Derogation documentation is available on the Department’s website.