Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, has reminded Clare farmers that they should start thinking about whether they need a nitrates derogation for the current year. The local Deputy said farmers who intend to apply for a derogation must have a fertiliser plan on the farm by 1st March, submit a copy of the fertiliser plan with the application unless an approved REPS 4 plan is in place, apply to the Department for a derogation by the closing date of Wednesday 31st March, and have all their land soil tested at least once every four years.
He noted that the Department is in the process of issuing Nitrogen and Phosphorus Statements for 2009 to the more intensive farmers, which will assist with their decision regarding whether they need a derogation in 2010.
“Intensive grassland farmers are allowed to exceed the general limit of 170 kg of nitrogen per hectare per year on their farm, up to a limit of 250 kg, provided that they have a derogation in place. Reps 4 participants will also receive a statement regardless of their livestock manure application, as it is a requirement in REPS 4 that the nitrogen and phosphorus details are recorded in their REPS record sheets”, added Minister of State Killeen.
Details of the derogation process are available on the Department website www.agriculture.ie. Applications forms may also be obtained from the local District Veterinary Office or from the Department's Nitrates Section, Johnstown Castle, Wexford.
