Kelly: Grass-based farming system 'justifies' nitrates derogation
Two powerful European politicians who will play a key role in future decisions on Ireland's nitrates derogation have been urged to consider the "unique needs" of Irish farmers by MEP Seán Kelly.
The MEP for Ireland South has written to both the next Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen and the next Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience, and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessica Roswall, to highlight why the nitrates derogation is "essential".
In his letters to the commissioner designates Kelly said:" Ireland’s unique grass-based farming system, alongside our climate and soil, justifies this derogation.
"It is essential not only for the economic viability of our farmers but also for the broader rural economy."
But the MEP for Ireland South also set out in his correspondence that Ireland is "fully cognizant of the need to maintain and improve water quality" and said both the government and farmers are taking "significant steps" to meet EU standards.
"Ireland intends to undertake a collaborative approach across all sectors to address water quality.
"From the establishment of a Water Quality Stakeholder Group to the introduction of newadvisory services and innovation programmes, Ireland is demonstrating its commitment to achieving real progress in this area," Kelly stated.
He also highlighted to the politicians that its essential that Ireland's nitrates derogation is extended past 2025 in order to "support Irish farmers and safeguard the future of sustainable agriculture".
Kelly believe this is secured it would help to provide "much-needed certainty" for farmers and encouraging on-farm investment in environmentally sound practices.
In his correspondence he urged the commissioner-designates to "continue your support for the Irish government’s efforts in ensuring that water quality improves, while also recognizing the unique needs of our farmers".
"Your leadership in the commission will be vital in securing a fair and balanced outcome for Ireland," Kelly stated.
Last month the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine warned that the removal of the nitrates derogation in Ireland “would inevitably be consolidation and larger farms".
Minister Charlie McConalogue told the Dáil that “there are good, valid and scientific reasons” as to why Ireland has a nitrates derogation.
“We can grow more crops and grass in this country, utilising more nutrients over the course of the year to grow those plants, than some other countries across Europe can.
“Those countries are much more arid in nature and do not have the same growing capacity. However, all of that is dependent on us improving our water quality and meeting the nitrates directive, which we and all farmers in derogation are absolutely committed to doing,” he added.
