The closing date for 2021 Nitrates Derogation applications is now extended to April 14, 2021, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has announced.

This is an extension of two weeks to the original deadline of March 31, 2021.

In addition, the authority highlighted that farmers who applied for a derogation in 2020 are reminded they must submit fertiliser accounts for 2020 by April 14, 2021, also.

Applications can be submitted digitally on the department’s online portal agfood.ie

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

The Nitrates Derogation is contingent on meeting water quality standards, and these measures are designed to protect water quality. The Derogation is an important facility for more intensive farmers. Almost 6,500 intensively stocked farmers availed of the derogation in 2020.

The online system is aimed at simplifying the application process and assisting farmers to avoid penalties, the department says.

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

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.

For a Nitrates Derogation application to be valid, all terms and conditions of the Derogation must be adhered to.

Farmers not already registered for agfood.ie can do so by logging onto www.agfood.ie and clicking the ‘Register’ button.