Supports call by the IFA for the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue to revisit the Nitrates Action Programme with the EU Commission.

I add my voice to that of the IFA calling for the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue to revisit the Nitrates Action Programme with the EU Commission.

The proposal presently is to reduce the nitrates used to 220kg/N/ha from 250kg/N/ha.

Under several farmer supported ASSAP’s (Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory programme), farmers have participated and proven that water quality has vastly improved and are continuing with this programme.

I support IFA’s position to leave the current 250kg/N/ha in place until the scientific work being carried out is complete where final recommendations can be agreed.

Any reduction at this stage is premature and will impact negatively on farmers income so any decision needs to have the full scientific analysis in place to ensure the right decision is made.