Dairy
Around 26% of milk supplying herds are yet to confirm their nitrogen excretion rate band for 2026, according to department figures.
DAFM has confirmed that 149 farmers have so far been "rejected" from the 2025 nitrates derogation scheme for non-compliance.
More than 300 less farmers applied for a nitrates derogation this year compared to the number that applied in 2025.
Dairy farmers are being urged to act now, with the closing date for 2026 Nitrates Derogation applications fast approaching.
With the May 1 rolling around next week, farmers are been reminded that the deadlines for a number of scheme applications are approaching.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon has announced that 2026 nitrates derogation applications can now be made.
Environment
The Advocate General of the Court of Justice of the EU has raised fresh questions over Ireland's nitrates derogation today.
A Fine Gael senator has criticised the move by An Taisce to try and get the new nitrates derogation overturned as "deeply irresponsible".
An Taisce has said it has asked the European Commission to overturn the latter's decision to grant an extension to the nitrates derogation.
An Taisce has filed an application in the High Court seeking a judicial review of Ireland's sixth Nitrates Action Programme (NAP).
Ireland has committed to assessing the impact the granting of individual derogations will have on objectives set out under EU directives.
The extent to which red tape and bureaucracy is a concern to farmers is driven in large part by dairy farmers, according to ifac.
Agri-Business
Minister Heydon has disputed a claim that there was a deal that Ireland would back the Mercosur Trade Agreement for the nitrates derogation
Tirlán is expanding the award-winning Farming for Water: River Slaney Project across the Nore, Barrow, Boyne, Blackwater and Suir catchments.
The European Commission has told the Netherlands that the country will not be able to avail of a nitrates derogation into the new year.
The European Commission has officially extended Ireland's nitrates derogation, but what new conditions will affect farmers on the ground.
The European Commission today (Monday, December 22) officially extended Ireland's nitrates derogation for a further three years.
Minister Martin Heydon has indicated his intention that Ireland will seek a further nitrates derogation after 2028 if water quality improves.
The nitrates derogation will be back in the spotlight but this time at the the Court of Justice of the EU tomorrow (Thursday, December 10).
DII, the Ibec body that represents the dairy processing sector, has welcomed the confirmation of Ireland's nitrates derogation.
Video
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon has said that all farmers seeking a...
Minister Heydon has said all farmers seeking a nitrates derogation will be "treated equally" when it comes to applying the Habitats Directive.
The European Commission's Nitrates Committee's decision on Ireland's derogation is "a bad day for Irish waterbodies" An Taisce has said.
