Clare TD 'very disappointed' with decision over nitrates directive

A COUNTY Clare TD has expressed his disappointment at the failure of the Minister for Agriculture to reach agreement to retain Ireland's derogation from certain nitrates rules. 

The European Commission's decision to restrict the provision of flexibility on the rules will affecting more than 3,000 Irish dairy and beef farmers from January 1, 2024.

Many farmers in Clare and across the country may have to reduce stocking rates as a result.

Ireland is one of just three member states to hold a nitrates derogation which allows farmers to stock cows at a higher rate. 

Members of the Irish Farmers Association and other farm groups staged a protest and refused to attend a meeting with Minister Charlie McConalogue at the Department of Agriculture earlier this week.

In a post on social media, Fianna Fail TD Cathal Crowe - also a farmer - expressed his disappointment at the Commission's decision.

"I'm a proud farmer and IFA member and have spoken with many of my farming colleagues about this in recent months. A very strong case had been made by farming representative groups for maintaining the 250kg derogation on Irish farms.

This decision will cause huge damage to the Irish dairy sector and seriously threaten the viability of the farming structure in our society and make it less and less appealing for young farmers to continue the family tradition," he wrote.

Furter protests against the decision of the European Commission are expected over the coming weeks and months.