Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023
1741. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will clarify the way that the export of slurry from farm holdings is facilitated under the new nitrates' derogation arrangements; if he will outline a rationale for the proposed changes in this specific regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63160/22]
View answerThe exportation of slurry from holdings is facilitated and managed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine online movement system. On an annual basis, farmers availing of the facility to export slurry must submit records online to DAFM by 31 December each year and farmers operating in Derogation must do so by 31st October.
As part of Ireland's 5th Nitrates Action Programme review which commenced in 2021 and was finalised in March 2022, a review of the technical tables in SI 605 2017 was undertaken, which included a review of the nutrient value of slurry.
Following review, the Revised Teagasc Green Book published on 20th July 2020, “Major and Micronutrient Advice for Productive Agricultural Crops” outlines the figures for Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium levels in cattle slurry. These total nutrient values are based on relevant studies and a survey of slurry nationally.
Previously, the figure used in the Nitrates Regulations for Nitrogen in cattle slurry was 5 kg N/t as set out in SI No. 605 of 2017.
Based on the studies set out in the Teagasc publication, the actual average Nitrogen value for Cattle Slurry is 2.4 kg N/t with values ranging from 0.2kg N/t to 5.2kg N/t. The slurry samples in the studies were selected to cover a range of animal breed types and animal diets in order to represent typical cattle slurry produced in Ireland. Table 7 in SI No 113 of 2022 is based on the average value for Nitrogen in cattle slurry.
