Farmers in Laois will benefit from the continued availability of the nitrates derogation, Laois Fine Gael TD Willie Aird has said.
Deputy Aird, who is also Leas Cathaoirleach of the Committee on Agriculture, welcomed the announcement by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon that Ireland has secured the continued availability of the nitrates derogation, which he says is great news for derogation farmers in County Laois.
Ireland’s nitrates derogation allows around 7,000 farmers to keep more livestock per acre of land than is allowed under the EU Nitrates Directive.
The directive limits the amount of fertiliser – including slurry – farmers can use on their land and effectively the number of livestock they can have, to protect water from pollution by agriculture.
Deputy Aird said: “Securing continued availability of the nitrate’s derogation has been a key priority for Fine Gael.
“I’m delighted to see that agreement was reached with the Commission on a three- year implementing decision providing for the derogation.
“The implementing decision sets out the conditions for the derogation, including the need to show compliance with the Habitats Directive.
“I want to recognise Minister Heydon for bringing Commissioner Roswal to Ireland in November, which was such an important component to today’s decision.
“She saw first-hand the importance of the nitrates derogation to Irish farmers.
“I want to recognise the Commissioner’s engagement with stakeholders and in particular the visit to a typical Irish family farm.
“The family farm model, based on animals being outdoors, is the cornerstone of our sustainability.
“Improving water quality is a critical part of continued access to the nitrates derogation.
“Irish farmers take their environmental responsibilities very seriously and are on a journey of continuous improvement.
“This objective is shared by all of industry, stakeholders and farmers.
Concluding Deputy Aird stated: “We will continue to work with farmers on this journey, on the task of improving water quality and ensuring continued availability of the derogation beyond the current decision.
“This must be our priority now as we chart our way forward.”
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