merrion street

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine today reminded farmers that the deadline for applying for a Nitrates Derogation is fast approaching. Farmers who anticipate that they will go over the limit of 170 kg of organic nitrogen per hectare on their farm this year have until 31st March to submit a derogation application for 2012.

Intensive grassland farmers are allowed to exceed the general 170 kg limit for nitrogen from livestock manure per hectare per year on their farm, up to a limit of 250 kgs, provided that they have an approved derogation in place. These farmers have already received a copy of their 2011 Nitrogen and Phosphorus Statement, which will have assisted them in deciding whether or not they need a derogation in 2012. It is important that famers who expect to exceed the 170 kg limit of organic nitrogen for 2012 would apply for the derogation before the deadline in order to avoid penalties for exceeding the Nitrates limits.

The application form and full details of the derogation system are available on the Department’s website http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/ruralenvironment/environmentalobligations/nitrates/nitratesderogationinformation/2012derogationforms/ Forms can also be obtained from local District Veterinary Offices or from the Nitrates Section, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford (telephone: 053-9163444).