Ireland - MLA In Call For Changes To Nitrates Rules
Published:February 28, 2005
Source :Farming Life
A shorter closed period, a more flexible derogation from the current 170 kg N/ha limit and fewer rules for moving slurry between holdings. These were the initial comments from William McCrea MLA on the latest proposed Nitrates Action Programme.
Commenting on the latest proposals Mr McCrea said, "In the latest proposals there is little recognition for the longer grass growing season in Northern Ireland compared to other regions in Europe. We will be lobbying to try and get the closed period to commence later in October rather than at the start of the month to take account of the excellent grass growth within the Province."
Mr McCrea has also expressed concerns about the rules which will be required to get derogation from the current 170 kg N/ha limit. "A large number of dairy, pig and poultry farms will be above the magical 170 kg N/ha figure and will be looking to apply for a derogation above this figure. I am concerned that there will be too many rules put in place which will make it virtually impossible for those requiring the derogation to a higher level.
Mr McCrea said that he would like to see more flexible rules for the transfer of slurry between one holding and another. "In the future, farms producing excess organic manure will be looking to export slurry to neighbouring holdings which produce little or no organic manure. We should not be putting additional rules in place for those producers who wish to bring slurry unto their holdings.
"Over the coming months, the DUP will be lobbying both at local and European level to get these changes to the proposed action programme;" concluded Mr McCrea.
