Following the decision by the Department of Agriculture to conduct an early review of the terms of the nitrates derogations IFA is holding five regional farmer meetings.
Environment Chairman Thomas Cooney said, “A workable derogation is critical. Farmers in derogation already have additional onerous obligations and responsibilities. This review must not be used as a stick to impose further costs, measures and inspections on these farmers.”
Tom Phelan, IFA Dairy Chairman said, “Farmers have made significant investments in bringing their farms up to the highest environmental standards and ensuring compliance with the requirements of the current derogation. It is important that farmers come to these meetings and that they and their discussion groups have an input in this nitrates derogation review.”
