ICMSA Advocates for Continued Nitrates Derogation for Irish Dairy Farmers

The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association (ICMSA) met with European Commissioner for Environment, Jessika Roswall, to advocate for the continuation of the nitrates derogation under Ireland's next Nitrates Action Programme (NAP). The derogation, part of the EU Nitrates Directive, allows farmers to operate at higher stocking levels than the standard 170kg of organic manure nitrogen per hectare, specifically up to 220kgN/ha, provided they adhere to additional water quality restrictions.

The current Nitrates Action Programme is set to expire at the end of this year, and Ireland is seeking to include the derogation in the subsequent plan. ICMSA President Denis Drennan emphasized to Commissioner Roswall the importance of this system for dairy farmers, highlighting its environmental, social, and economic sustainability. He described these farmers as the economic and social 'backbone' of rural communities.

Drennan argued that the 170kgN/ha limit is outdated, having been established 35 years ago, and claimed it does not reflect modern sustainable farming practices. He stressed that higher stocking levels have been scientifically proven to be environmentally sustainable. Furthermore, he noted that derogation farmers are subject to extensive inspections and are some of the most technically adept and environmentally conscious farmers in the state.

The ICMSA president also highlighted the significant investments made by these farmers in environmental improvements. He criticized the current regulatory approach, suggesting that it threatens the viability of family dairy farms. Drennan called for a change in strategy to support these farms' continued operation.