Dairygold Chair Highlights Uncertainty Surrounding Ireland's Nitrates Derogation
Source: The DairyNews
Seán O’Brien, Chair of Dairygold, has issued a call to action for the cooperative's milk suppliers, emphasizing the critical importance of preventing nutrient losses to watercourses to safeguard Ireland's nitrates derogation.
O’Brien expressed concern that the potential removal of the nitrates derogation could have severe repercussions, significantly limiting milk production and impacting the entire industry's viability. He stressed the need for decisive leadership, including direct engagement with EU Commission officials, to address industry uncertainty and enable farmers to plan effectively for the future.
Dairygold's sustainability team, comprising six trained water quality advisors, conducted over 700 farm visits in priority areas last year, offering practical guidance to milk suppliers. O’Brien underscored the importance of farmers acting upon recommendations from this team or their Teagasc advisers to mitigate nutrient loss effectively.
Despite challenges, O’Brien noted positive strides at the farm level, highlighting commendable efforts undertaken by Dairygold's milk suppliers.
Regarding the nitrates derogation, O’Brien emphasized Dairygold's awareness of the significant impact of the 2023 mid-term review, which reduced the derogation to 220kg of organic nitrogen (N)/ha in certain areas. He cautioned that the derogation's future remains uncertain, subject to review by the European Commission in 2025. Maintaining the revised stocking rate of 220kg N/ha necessitates verifiable evidence of improving water quality in identified areas of concern.
Environmental sustainability stands out as the dairy and agriculture industry's paramount challenge, according to Dairygold. The potential removal of the nitrates derogation or failure to meet emissions targets outlined in the Government's Climate Action Plan could jeopardize farmers' viability and have far-reaching implications for the rural economy.
O’Brien affirmed Dairygold's commitment to advocating for farmers' interests, recognizing its role in influencing legislators to understand the challenges faced by farmers and the potential consequences of nitrates derogation removal.
Dairygold's sustainability team, comprising six trained water quality advisors, conducted over 700 farm visits in priority areas last year, offering practical guidance to milk suppliers. O’Brien underscored the importance of farmers acting upon recommendations from this team or their Teagasc advisers to mitigate nutrient loss effectively.
Despite challenges, O’Brien noted positive strides at the farm level, highlighting commendable efforts undertaken by Dairygold's milk suppliers.
Regarding the nitrates derogation, O’Brien emphasized Dairygold's awareness of the significant impact of the 2023 mid-term review, which reduced the derogation to 220kg of organic nitrogen (N)/ha in certain areas. He cautioned that the derogation's future remains uncertain, subject to review by the European Commission in 2025. Maintaining the revised stocking rate of 220kg N/ha necessitates verifiable evidence of improving water quality in identified areas of concern.
Environmental sustainability stands out as the dairy and agriculture industry's paramount challenge, according to Dairygold. The potential removal of the nitrates derogation or failure to meet emissions targets outlined in the Government's Climate Action Plan could jeopardize farmers' viability and have far-reaching implications for the rural economy.
O’Brien affirmed Dairygold's commitment to advocating for farmers' interests, recognizing its role in influencing legislators to understand the challenges faced by farmers and the potential consequences of nitrates derogation removal.
