Nitrates Action Programme – changes that could affect your farm business

The Nitrates Action Programme came into operation on 1 January 2007 and the Nitrates Directive requires it to be reviewed every four years.

Following a detailed scientific review, the Nitrates Action Programme for 2011-2014 has recently been agreed with the European Commission.

The existing measures are being carried forward for the next four year period along with some changes. The new Action Programme comes into effect on 1 January 2011 and the measures are to prevent nitrate and phosphate pollution from agricultural sources.

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.  

Countryside Management Delivery Branch will be at the Winter Fair to explain the details of these changes and how they may affect your farm management.

The Nitrates Action Programme allows up to 170KG nitrogen per hectare from livestock manures to be applied to land. However, NI is currently seeking renewal of the EU Derogation decision for NI which allows a higher limit of up to 250KG livestock manure nitrogen per hectare per year.

This will allow stocking rates above the 170KG nitrogen limit on intensive grassland farms provided specific measures are adhered to.

Information will be available on how your business could benefit from a Nitrates Directive Derogation.

Please visit the DARD exhibit at the Winter Fair on 9 December 2010 to find out more.