Latest news with #NitratesDerogation
Irish Independent
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
No guarantee on Nitrates Derogation extension
The Department announced last week that the European Commission has been explicit that Ireland must address the Habitats Directive as well as water quality if it wants to keep the derogation. 'I haven't been given any firm commitment from the Commission,' Mr Heydon said. 'It's really important that I'm clear on this. I haven't been given any nod and wink that we will get an extension. That is something that will be a vote from all member states. 'But it's been made very clear if we don't address the Habitats Directive, there is no vote on extending the derogation. So this is really the only option available.' Speaking to the Farming Independent, he said the plan is to communicate to the Commission it is Ireland's intention to incorporate the Habitats Directive in order to keep the Nitrates Derogation. The Minister also confirmed that appropriate assessments would not take place on a farm-by-farm basis, but rather on a catchment or sub-catchment basis. The efforts and the work that farmers have made in improving water quality has kept us on the pitch, he said, but incorporating the Habitats Directive would take time. While the vote by member states will be either in December or next March, he said the immediate plans is to 'officially indicate to the Commission this month that we will be addressing the Habitats Directive as part of our approach'. He added: 'We obviously have a significant amount of work to do around that process for the autumn. 'We don't need the detailed plan to go to the Commission in July. I've no intention of trying to put together anything in a rush here, we will do this right. 'I'm being really, really clear with the Commission that we are engaging here in good faith to give us the best chance for that to continue. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more 'To have the derogation, we need flexibility around time because what we will be undertaking will take years, will not be done in a couple of months, will not be done by the end of the year. 'My intention would be to indicate officially that we were addressing the Habitats Directive as part of that and drawing up a plan as what that looks like. 'There are 46 catchment areas and 583 sub-catchments and we know we would need to go through the sub-catchment basis as well as the catchment basis, and that is a very big undertaking. 'Our plan this year will be putting structures in place to be able to start that process as soon as possible, possibly over the winter into next year.' This plan, he said, would involve hiring a number of ecologists, which he says is his intention to do within his Department. 'While we need to bring in outside expertise, I want to retain control of that within the Department. I think that's very important.' By engaging in good faith with the Commission, we give ourselves the best chance for them to allow us to proceed with our plan and grant us a derogation He also said it is his intention that his Department, or the Exchequer, will fund the Appropriate Assessment process. 'If a farmer individually wanted to do an appropriate assessment down the line, it will be open to them to do that, but I don't think that's a practical approach from the State, to say that we would do that at that level.' He also said the process would take place on a phased basis, hence the need for an extension from Europe. 'Obviously, you're not going to be able to do all the country in one go, so this can be done in phases at a time. That's why the ask now is an extension as part of this process. 'No more than four years ago, when the detailed negotiations went to the wire and we were operating out of derogation if you like... there always is the risk that you don't get the derogation, and then overnight, we have a very big challenge in the country. So this will be down to the wire again. 'But my hope and expectation will be that by engaging in good faith with the Commission, we give ourselves the best chance for them to allow us to proceed with our plan and grant us a derogation.'
Irish Examiner
10-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Your Partner in Farm Success: Maximising Your Farm's Potential with FDC Agri Consultants
Since its establishment in 1973, Agri Consultancy has been integral to FDC Group as one of its 10 key service offerings. In recent years, FDC has expanded its Agri team to meet the changing needs of farmers due to the increase in schemes available, as well as grants claimable through TAMS funding. FDC Agri Consultants are knowledgeable in the preparation of applications for all schemes and grants. We advise our clients on how to maximise these applications, and how to structure their business to maintain maximum flexibility for their farm within these schemes. Alan O'Mahony, agri manager in Cork, Kanturk and Midleton. Here are some schemes our team can help you with: Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS): More commonly known as the single farm payment, FDC Agri Consultants are DAFM Farm Advisory Service approved agents for the online completion and submission of the annual BISS applications. We manage the completion and submission of entitlement transactions for leases, sales and gifts. Additionally, we manage applications for Areas of Natural Constraint (formerly Disadvantaged Area), CISYF (formerly young farmers scheme) and National Reserve scheme. Nitrates Derogation: We provide a comprehensive service to clients, whereby the annual records and Derogation application are prepared and submitted, as well the periodical Nutrient Management Plan and soil sampling. We help our clients stay focused, current and compliant with the ever-changing regulations of the Nitrates Derogation. We maintain regular contact with our clients throughout the year to ensure stock, fertiliser and lime stats stay within limits. In FDC Group, we assert the absolute vitality of Nitrates Derogation in Ireland. We take great pride and responsibility in helping our clients understand and comply. ACRES: When applications opened, FDC assisted in ACRES and created Farm Sustainability Plans for our clients. We now provide the ACRES scoring assessments for clients, as well as NPI (Nonproductive investment) and Landscape Actions applications. TAMS: Under the TAMS Ill scheme, FDC Agri Consultants maximise the funding available to clients before the start of any major investment. FDC Agri Consultants then determine whether the investment you are enquiring about is available at 40% or 60% grant aid. The TAMS Ill covers, but is not exclusive to, animal housing, slurry storage, dairy equipment, animal handing facilities, solar panels, fencing, underpasses, as well as grant aids for pigs, poultry and equine facilities. The introduction of a separate funding stream offering 60% grant aid for slurry storage facilities to all farmers this January was a welcome boost for the industry. Registered Farm Partnerships: FDC have facilitated numerous partnerships with varying partners such as existing farmers, young, trained farmers and limited companies. These arrangements can be established not only to involve the next generation in the farm business and improve work-life balance, but also to strengthen long-term succession planning, encourage knowledge transfer, and position the farm to benefit from higher TAMS grant aid rates; ultimately supporting the farm's sustainability, growth and resilience. In the case of multi-herd partnerships, collaboration simplify how a farm operates. We build adaptable partnerships that allow retirement or incorporation without harming the original agreement. Various Beef & Sheep Schemes: We apply for all sheep and beef schemes that may be relevant to our clients. As a part of FDC group, FDC Agri Consultants collaborate with FDC Accountants Ltd and FDC Tax Department Ltd to create farm structures, maximise scheme opportunities and offer comprehensive succession services. By partnering with experts across FDC Group, FDC Agri Consultants deliver a quality service and total business solution for our clients, completely unique to each client's farm, future and legacy. For more information on our services, please visit
Irish Examiner
30-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Over 400 suppliers attend Tirlán's 'Farming for the Future' event
Over 400 Tirlán suppliers and their families were welcomed to the flagship Farming for the Future on-farm event. The event aimed to showcase the collaborative work underway to enhance and support environmental and economic sustainability on farms. It brought together farmers, agri-experts, and industry sustainability leaders for a day of hands-on demonstrations, expert-led talks and discussions on the family farm of Seamus Brennan, in Co Laois. Tirlán Chairperson John Murphy chats with brothers Tom andf Bill O'Brien from Danesford Co Kilkenny, at Tirlán's flagship 'Farming for the Future' open farm walk and talk on Seamus Brennan's farm at Attanagh, Co Laois. Photo: Finbarr O'Rourke Speaking at the event, John Murphy, the Tirlám chair, said: 'The numbers here today demonstrate our commitment to sustainability in the fullest sense – both economic and environmental sustainability. And we know this is so important as we are in the countdown to the decision regarding the renewal of the nitrates derogation in December." Also at the event was Ireland MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú who said: 'Recent EPA reports show a substantial decline in nitrogen concentrations in selected rivers over the last 12 months when compared to 2023. Nitrogen concentration levels in 2024 were comparable to 2016 levels. "Farmers are adopting measures at the farm level that deliver continued improvements to water quality. We are on the right track, and everyone should welcome that. Improved water quality is the key to securing Ireland's Nitrates Derogation beyond 2025." 'The River Slaney Project is an example of what can be achieved when farmers, advisors, local authorities, and industry partners come together with a shared purpose. The progress we've made in just one year shows the power of collaboration in driving meaningful, science-based action to protect our water and biodiversity for future generations,' said Dr Lisa Koep, chief ESG officer at Tirlán. Conor Mulvihill, director of Dairy Industry Ireland, said Ireland has six months to put the best case forward to retain the nitrates derogation. He said the co-ordinated effort between all bodies has been encouraging to see. Tirlán Chairperson John Murphy chats with host farmer Seamus Brennan at Tirlán's flagship 'Farming for the Future' open farm walk and talk on the Brennan farm at Attanagh, Co Laois. Photo: Finbarr O'Rourke 'Every single one of us is on the same path. Water quality and the improvement of water quality underpin the future of our family-based, grass-based dairy industry.' Host Seamus Brennan and his family are farming in derogation and have always tried to go the extra mile to keep things ticking over, particularly when it comes to slurry and fertiliser applications. 'I'm hoping to invest in an underground tank soon to make more use of the slurry. We're probably not getting as much out of it as we could – we're probably spreading it that bit early. I'll also look into solar. I've also put in an EIP application for other works,' Mr Brennan told the crowds.
Irish Examiner
11-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
‘Farming for the Future' event to take place in Laois
A 'Farming for the Future' open farm walk, hosted by Tirlán, will be held in Laois on June 23. The farm walk will take place on Seamus Brennan's farm at Attanagh, Co Laois, from 11 am until lunchtime, with Tirlán encouraging farm families from across its catchment to attend. Tirlán's sustainability programme teams will be in attendance for panel discussions and presentations by experts from Teagasc, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Agriculture, Tillage Industry Ireland, Dairy Industry Ireland, and Meat Industry Ireland. Farming organisations are invited and encouraged to contribute to the practical, information-focused event. Presentations and a panel discussion will cover key areas such as farm economic performance and sustainability, protecting water quality with smart nutrient management, and how to avail of the Farming for Water EIP grant funding. Attendees will also hear how they can boost performance through milk solids. The whole sector approach to enhancing water quality also includes demonstrations throughout the event on fertiliser spreader calibration and managing catch crops. Tirlán chairperson John Murphy said: 'With a decision on Ireland's Nitrates Derogation now less than six months away, we're hosting this practical, information-focused event close to Ballyragget on the Laois/Kilkenny border to assist our farm families in continuing their work to enhance the environment on their farms. "This whole-of-sector approach is paramount and we want every farmer who attends to take home nuggets that they can implement on their own farm to protect water and help strengthen our case as we bid to retain the Nitrates Derogation.' Host farmer Seamus Brennan said: 'Even the smallest actions on-farm can have a very positive impact on the environment. I've made changes on my farm that have benefited both the environment and the economic sustainability of my family farm. I'm delighted to host the event and would like to encourage farmers to come along.' A similar flagship event in June of last year attracted large numbers and resonated with suppliers, speakers, and partner organisations involved in Tirlán's ongoing 'Farming for Water: River Slaney Project', which has now been extended across the co-operative's entire catchment. Mr Brennan's farm is located at Attanagh, near Ballyragget, close to the Kilkenny/Laois border, Eircode R32 NX26. Read More Demo farm reports 32% lower emissions with more profitable cattle
Agriland
16-05-2025
- Health
- Agriland
ICOS: Trends in dairy herd replacements a ‘serious wake-up call'
The Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) has described the data on dairy herd replacements as a serious 'wake-up call'. The Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) data was presented to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) Calf Welfare Shareholder meeting held this week. The number of dairy female calf registrations is down by 12.5% in 2025, when compared to 2024 figures. In addition, the number of first calved heifers has declined by by 9.5% year-on-year. This combination of a sharp decline in both dairy female calves and first-calved heifers suggests that the market for dairy heifers is likely to be very strong over the next few years. Dairy herd replacements In a press release, the ICOS said: 'In the very near future, the number of dairy replacements will not be enough to sustain the dairy herd at present levels.' With the breeding season in full flow, ICOS is encouraging all farmers to 'seek appropriate advice and to consider using the optimal level of dairy artificial insemination (AI) this year to ensure they are breeding sufficient replacements for their herds'. The society is also encouraging farmers to be mindful of the rising incidence levels of bovine tuberculosis (TB) by selecting for TB resistance as part of their breeding policy. ICOS believes the data presented by the ICBF needs to act as a 'serious wake-up call' to the government. 'There is an urgent need to bring certainty to the sector by retaining the Nitrates Derogation and to bring forward immediate policies to address the challenge of generational renewal in the sector,' the society said. ICOS also believe that these stark figures are an added warning to the drop in cow numbers in the coming years, so all steps need to be taken to reduce incidence rates of bovine TB. ICOS ICOS represents co-operatives across Ireland, including dairy processing co-operatives and livestock marts. These organisations collectively generate approximately €16 billion in turnover, with 175,000 members and employment for 12,000 individuals in Ireland, plus an additional 24,000 overseas. In total, Ireland has around 1,000 co-ops, with the largest 100 employing roughly 40,000 people.
