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The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan
Smith TD, has reminded farmers that they should start thinking
about whether they need a nitrates derogation for the current
year.
"Intensive grassland farmers are allowed to exceed the general
limit of 170kg of nitrogen per hectare per year on their farm,
up to a limit of 250kg, provided that they have a derogation
in place," he said.
The Minister advised that details of the derogation process
are available on the Department's website. In
addition farmers will be able to get forms in their local
District Veterinary Office or from the Department's Nitrates
Section, Johnstown Castle, Wexford.
The Minister 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 2010. No
applications for derogations will be accepted after this
date - and
- have all their land soil tested at least once every four
years
The Minister added - "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."
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. All other farmers can obtain
copies of their Statement from the local District Veterinary
Office, from the Department's Nitrates Section, Johnstown
Castle, Wexford, or on-line for registered users - Click
Here
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