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The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, announced that farmers and their agents can now submit 2015 derogation applications using the Department’s on-line facilities. The Nitrates Derogation provides farmers an opportunity to farm at higher stocking rates, subject to certain conditions.
Minister Coveney noted that 83% of applications were received online for 2014 and confirmed that applications can only be submitted using the online facility for 2015. The closing date for applications is 31st March 2015.
The Minister also highlighted the requirement that derogation farmers have valid soil samples for every 5ha of land and emphasised the cost savings that can be made by soil sampling and good nutrient planning on such farms.
The Minister encouraged farmers to discuss their stock plans for 2015 with their local agricultural advisor who will help them determine the best management plan for the coming year.
Minister Coveney encouraged farmers that expect to exceed the stocking rate limit in 2015 to apply for this Derogation or take other remedial action and thereby avoid penalties being applied to their scheme payments.
Tuesday January 13, 2015/ Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Ireland.
http://www.agriculture.gov.ie
