Nitrates Action Programme and Phosphorus Regulations 2011-2014

The Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC) aims to improve water quality by protecting water against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources. In particular, it is about promoting better management of animal manures, chemical nitrogen fertilisers and other nitrogen-containing materials spread onto land.

On 1 January 2011 changes to the Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) and Phosphorus Regulations were made for the period 2011-2014. The main changes affect the spreading and field storage of farmyard manure, spreading chemical fertiliser near waterways, spreading on steeply sloping land and the field storage of poultry litter.  The new regulations replace the NAP and Phosphorus Regulations 2007-2010. The NAP Regulations and the Phosphorus Regulations apply to all agricultural land in Northern Ireland.

Compliance with the Nitrates Action Programme is one of the Cross Compliance Statutory Management Requirements. Therefore, farmers claiming Single Farm Payment and other direct payments are required to comply with the NAP Regulations. Measures relating to the Phosphorus Regulations are not Cross Compliance Verifiable Standards. However, adherence to both sets of regulations is required by law.