merrion street

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, today announced that applications for the 2020 Nitrates Derogation can now be submitted to the Department using the on-line portal, www.agfood.ie  .

Over 6,800 intensively stocked farmers availed of the derogation in 2019.

The 2020 Nitrates Derogation Terms & Conditions include the full list of recommendations put forward by the Expert Review Group who proposed additional conditions for those farming in derogation that support the multiple objectives of a competitive agriculture sector whilst minimising negative impacts on water quality. This review was carried out jointly in 2019 by experts from the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, the Department of Housing Planning & Local Government, Teagasc and the EPA and proposed recommendations that were accepted by both Ministers.  The Nitrates Derogation is contingent on meeting water quality standards, and these additional measures, included now in the requirements of the 2020 scheme are designed to provide added protections to water quality. 

Applications must be submitted using the online system which is aimed at simplifying the application process and assisting farmers to avoid penalties. Farmers can also remain compliant with the Regulations by managing their livestock to farm below the limits, exporting enough slurry/farmyard manure or renting additional land but these farmers are also subject to additional requirements this year.

Over 6,800 farmers availed of the derogation in 2019.

Nitrogen & Phosphorus Statements up to the end of December 2019 are available to view on the Department’s online system www.agfood.ie. These statements are useful to assist farmers plan and to decide if they would benefit from applying for a derogation.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday 8 April 2020

Farmers not already registered for agfood.ie can do so by logging onto www.agfood.ie and clicking the 'Register' button. More information is available on the Department’s website at the following link: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/ruralenvironmentsustainability/environmentalobligations/nitrates/nitratesderogation/

Further information on the 2019 Nitrates Derogation Review can be viewed here: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/ruralenvironmentsustainability/environmentalobligations/nitrates/2019nitratesderogationreview/