Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2024
1707. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures under way to improve water quality due to nitrates runoff to comply with the nitrates directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32985/24]
View answerOver the last two years new and enhanced regulatory measures have been implemented under the Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) to improve water quality, including:
• a 10% cut in maximum chemical Nitrogen fertiliser limits for grassland;
• shallow cultivation post-harvest for tillage farmers in 14 counties where reductions in nitrates loses are required;
• banding of dairy cow nutrient excretion rates based on milk yield since 2023;
• mandatory soil sampling of all arable land and all grassland on farms with a grassland stocking rate above 130 kg livestock manure nitrogen per hectare (N/ha) since 2023; and
• Low Emission Slurry Spreading is now required for all pig slurry and all farmers with a grassland stocking rate above 130 kg N/ha. From 2025 this becomes mandatory for all farmers with a grassland stocking rate above 100 kg N/ha.
Farmers have embraced these changes and furthermore there has been a significant reduction in national chemical nitrogen use.
The regulatory changes have been complemented by increased enforcement and compliance activity with a doubling of the percentage of nitrates derogation holdings subject to inspection each year. The Environment Protection Agency are also rolling out their National Agricultural Inspection Programme through the local authorities further increasing inspection activity regarding water quality.
In addition, earlier this year my Department in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage launched the €60 million "Farming for Water" European Innovation Partnership providing funding for targeted water quality measures above regulatory requirements.
55,000 farmers have been accepted into the ACRES Scheme which supports a number of water quality related actions, including extensively grazed pasture and low input grassland which have lower chemical fertiliser input compared with the maximum limits permitted under the NAP.
Accelerated Capital Allowances were introduced in Budget 2023 to encourage investments in slurry storage. There is also priority approval for slurry storage investment under TAMS. European Commission approval has been secured for a 70% grant aid scheme for farmers importing organic manure who are investing in slurry storage.
A number of knowledge and awareness raising measures are also being implemented. For example, in May, Teagasc launched their "Better Farming for Water" multi-actor advisory campaign, and since May practically all of the dairy processors have now hosted at least one water quality event for their suppliers. Some processors are also adopting a specific catchment for intensive engagement, for example, Tirlan's Slaney Project.
Water quality is an issue for everyone in the agriculture sector and it is important that everyone works together to improve and protect this important resource.
