The business as usual projection for nitrogenous fertiliser usage in 2010 is in the region of 420,000 tonnes.
A number of policy options will contribute to reaching the target for reduction in emissions of nitrous oxide under the national climate change strategy. Under the CAP rural development plan, it is projected that there will be 70,000 farmers in the new rural environment protection scheme by 2006. The impact of this additional participation in REPS will lead to a more sustainable farming environment. It is anticipated that an extra 25,000 farmers will follow nutrient management plans by comparison with REPS 1 thus improving the management of organic manures and chemical fertilisers.
Under the Agenda 2000 agreement all farmers receiving payments under various Department's schemes, including the direct payment schemes, must practice farming in accordance with certain environmental requirements. Accordingly, my Department published a good farming practice booklet in August 2001 and distributed it to all farmers. Key aspects of the booklet include nutrient and grassland management.