Ireland's EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness has said that as far as she is concerned and from discussions held, there will not be a change to planned cuts to nitrates derogation here.
Earlier this month it emerged that from the first of January more than 3,000 Irish dairy and beef farmers would be impacted after the European Commission decided to restrict the provision of flexibility on nitrates rules, with many farmers possibly having to reduce stocking rates as a result.
Farmers have been availing of a nitrates derogation that allowed them higher stocking rates on their farms. But that arrangement was dependent on Ireland delivering on a commitment to improve water quality. The Government has failed to do this.
The commission's response means that, from next year, the farmers affected will have three ways to meet the new, reduced limits on nitrates.
These include reducing animal numbers, increasing the amount of land they have, or finding someone to take slurry from their holdings.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Ms McGuinness said while there is a figure of 3,000 farmers who will be impacted, she noted the focus must be on how many will be affected and to mitigate those effects.
She also warned that the other side of this discussion is water quality and that "we have to acknowledge we all want good quality water".
"All sectors have to contribute to avoiding any pollution of our waterways," she said.
She said while cuts to nitrates derogation was discussed at the Ploughing Championships it was not the biggest talking point.
Ms McGuinness said the Minister for Agriculture and the EU Commissioner for Agriculture have been very clear about derogation and the move back which will impact some farmers.
She said the discussion and invite for the Commissioner to come to Ireland will happen and that it will be a good meeting.
