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Nitrates Directive Derogation

Alan Galbraith, Countryside Management Branch, DARD

Under the terms of the Nitrates Directive, Member States may apply for a derogation from the 170KG nitrogen per hectare per year (N/ha/year) livestock manure limit.  Northern Ireland (NI) was successful in their application and this will allow eligible farmers a derogation to apply up to 250KG grazing livestock manure nitrogen per hectare per year provided certain criteria are adhered to.  This derogation is particularly important for the intensive grassland farms with higher than average stocking rates. The main criteria of the derogation are that farms must:
  • have at least 80 percent grassland;
  • have a farm phosphorus balance of no more than 10KG phosphorus per hectare per year;
  • carry out soil analysis to establish soil fertility status;
  • only apply nitrogen and phosphorus to crop requirements;
  • make an annual application by the farmer to DOE’s Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) by 1 March;
  • produce and maintain annual fertilisation plans; and
  • submit annual fertilisation accounts to EHS.
Following engagement with the European Commission and the respective NI Assembly Committees it is anticipated that Regulations to implement the Commission Decision will be brought into operation as soon as possible in 2008.  A comprehensive Guidance Booklet will then be available.  CAFRE are holding a series of Nitrates Derogation Roadshows to support those farmers considering applying for a derogation. These roadshows will run in the last week of January and first week of February at nine locations across the country.
The Nitrates Derogation Roadshows will help you to decide if the derogation is the best route for your business to take and how to complete the application form.  As well as formal presentations each roadshow will be attended by local Agriculture Development Advisers to give you the opportunity to discuss your options.  If you would like to attend one of these roadshows please call Alan Gault on 028 9442 6772.
Application forms will be available at these information events but are also available at: