The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is being called on to change how organic nutrient import capacity is calculated.

The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) is calling for "greater clarity" for farmers and advisers, and to encourage the use of organic manure.

Michael Caffrey, the IFA's pig chairperson, said that the calculation on how much nutrients a farmer can import should be based on last year's stocking rate rather than the current year's figures.

"Under the current system, the amount of organic nutrients a farmer can import can change during the year depending on stock movements," Caffrey said.

He added: "This creates a moving target for farmers and advisers and makes planning very difficult."

IFA environment chairperson John Murphy said that rising fertiliser prices and potential supply constraints highlight the importance of making the most of organic manures.

"With fertiliser prices increasing again and international supply chains under pressure, it makes sense to maximise the nutrients already being produced," he said.

"Organic manures help to reduce reliance on imported fertiliser and improves nutrient efficiency at farm level, both of which contribute to meeting our climate targets and improving water quality," Murphy added.

According to the IFA, farmers need certainty when it comes to nutrient management.

"Using the previous year's figures would provide a clear baseline and allow farmers to plan with confidence," the IFA pig chair said.

He added that the previous year's stocking rate is already used as a reference in the new Nitrates Action Programme and had been provided for in legislation prior to changes made in 2022.

Caffrey also said that the proposal is important for pig producers, who rely on grassland farms to utilise nutrient management produced on pig farms.

"With the growing season already underway, farmers need certainty now," he said.

"The department needs to act immediately and reinstate the pre-2022 system so farmers can plan properly and make full use of organic manures at a time when fertiliser prices and supply remain uncertain."