Applications are now being accepted by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) for the 2020 nitrates derogation.

A number of measures have come into play since January 1, 2020. Therefore, it is important farmers familiarise themselves with these measures before considering submitting an application.

The new measures are listed (below), with a particular emphasis on meeting water quality standards.

Applications can be submitted through the department’s online portal: agfood.ie.

The department highlighted that over 6,800 intensively stocked farmers availed of the derogation in 2019.

The nitrates derogation is now contingent on meeting water quality standards, and these additional measures in the requirements of the 2020 scheme are designed to provide added protection to water quality.

Also, 2019 fertiliser accounts must be submitted online no later than April 8, 2020, for those who applied for a nitrates derogation in 2019.

The closing date for submitting applications is Wednesday, April 8.

The nitrates derogation

The nitrates derogation allows farmers to exceed the limit of 170kg of livestock manure N/ha set down in the nitrates regulations, up to a maximum of 250kg/ha, subject to adherence to stricter rules.

For a nitrates derogation application to be valid, a number of criteria must be adhered to.

For more information on the terms and conditions of the nitrates derogation [button link="https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/ruralenvironment/environment/nitrates/2020/1NitratesDerogation2020TermsConditions200220.pdf"]click here[/button]