Vol. 527 No. 3
87 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he supports the need for controls on the use of fertilisers in the production of food crops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28364/00]
Recommendations on usage rates of nitrogen for all crops, including food crops, are contained in the Code of Good Agriculture Practice to Protect Waters from Pollution by Nitrates which was jointly drawn up by my Department and the Department of the Environment in 1996. The recommendations in the code relate to the timing of application of nitrogenous fertilisers and the precautions required to prevent pollution of water etc. These requirements are equally applicable to all fertilisers. Participants in the rural environment protection scheme are obliged to use fertilisers in accordance with a nutrient management plan.
The advisory services of Teagasc provide advice and recommendations to farmers on the application and level of use of fertilisers.
Question No. 88 taken with Question No. 80.
