Loss of nitrates derogation would have ‘devastating consequences’ for young farmers

THE LOSS of Ireland’s nitrates derogation would have “devastating consequences” for young farmers and the long-term sustainability of Irish agriculture, according to MACRA president Josephine O’Neill.

Speaking at the National Nitrates Derogation event held in Fermoy, Co Cork, Ms O’Neill said that the nitrates derogation issue is a concern for all farmers and is potentially devastating for our young farmers, new entrants and the future of the sector.

“For decades, we’ve spoken about the need for generational renewal in Irish agriculture,” she said. “We’ve encouraged young people to study agriculture, to take the reins of their family farm, and to believe there is a future for them on the land. But now those very futures are being threatened.” 

 The event, which was organised by the Irish Farmers Association, drew a crowd of up to 2,000, with many in attendance forced to watch proceedings on TV screens set up on the concourse, indicating the significance the issue holds among Irish farmers.

Minister for agriculture Martin Heydon took questions from the crowd and said that he is “standing with farmers”; however, he could not yet give “any guarantees” around the fate of the nitrates derogation in the future.

Ms O’Neill also stressed in her remarks that the knock-on effects would extend far beyond individual farms, with co-ops, contractors, feed suppliers and marts potentially suffering if the derogation is lost.

In her final remarks, Ms O’Neill directly addressed Mr Heydon and his fellow policymakers, saying: “Minister, as you negotiate our derogation, remember our young farmers. They are the heartbeat of rural Ireland. Without them, farming will have no future.” 

 Under the Nitrates Directive, European Union farmers must ensure that the total amount of nitrogen from organic manure applied to their land does not exceed 170kg per hectare per year. But due to Ireland’s model, where livestock are out on grass for large parts of the year, there’s a derogation allowing some farmers to use up to 250kg per hectare.

The rules imposed on farmers through the EU Nitrates Directive is aimed at protecting watercourses from agricultural pollution caused by fertilisers and animal waste. Ireland is the only country in the EU seeking the derogation, with farmers and agriculture groups arguing that the extended grass growing season allows fields to absorb more fertilisers.

The current nitrates derogation expires at the end of the year, with the EU set to vote on new limits for 2026-2029.

There are about 7,000 farmers operating in derogation around the country.