Farm Organisations Protest Over European Commission Nitrates Derogation Decision

Thursday, 7 September 2023 17:30

By Caoimhe Harney

The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association decided to cross the picket and speak to the minister.

The Irish Farmers' Association, Farming Groups and dozens of farmers protested the Department of Agriculture's headquarters over changes to EU rules around nitrates derogations as well as delayed payments to farmers.

The protest followed a decision by the European Commission not to review its decision to cease Ireland's nitrates derogation.

Nitrates loading rules mean that farmers must have sufficient land on which to spread the manure from their herds. The current limit is 170kg/ha.

However, Ireland’s nitrates derogation allows farmers who meet certain more rigorous conditions. Ireland’s current derogation is due to expire on January 1, 2026, with the derogation limit due to reduce to 220kg/ha from 250kg/ha on January 1, 2024, in certain areas.

Five farming groups were due to meet Minister Charlie McConalogue, to discuss changes to nitrogen limits and delays to A-N-C payments.

However, the Irish Farmers' Association decided to boycott the meeting, and were joined by three other farming organisations.

The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association decided to cross the picket and speak to the minister.

President of the I-C-M-S-A, Pat McCormack says they weren't going to hide from "straight" talking.

ICMSA crosses IFA picket line outside Ag House to jeers of "scabs"and "traitor".

More to follow on @farmersjournal pic.twitter.com/FOkMUWIcHs
— Noel Bardon (@NoelBardon) September 7, 2023