This document summarizes Ireland's proposed measures for its fifth Nitrates Action Programme to protect water quality from agricultural pollution sources as required by the EU Nitrates Directive. Key proposals include registering chemical fertilizer sales, improving compliance with regulations, reviewing advisory programs, requiring slurry storage and application changes, regulating soiled water, updating livestock excretion rates, reducing chemical nitrogen usage, and improving organic matter testing and grazing land management. Farmers expressed concerns about some proposals and requested flexibility, phased implementation, support for alternative practices, and further consideration of economic and practical impacts.
This presentation was given at the EPA’s National Water Event 2019, which took place on 29 and 30 May 2019 in Galway. This presentation by Feargal O Coigligh from DHPLG is on Addressing Ireland's Water challenges and the National Response
New Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) guidelines 24 Sept 2020Nikesh Banwade
The presentation comprises of comparison new Ground water NOC, guidelines, ground water withdrawal and compensation charges Procedure for ground water NOC, guidelines, ground water withdrawal and compensation charges
This presentation was given at the EPA’s National Water Event 2019, which took place on 29 and 30 May 2019 in Galway. This presentation by Caroline Johnston from the Commission for Regulations of Utilities is on the cost and value of water.
Georgia ARET Project: Environment Pollution Control ProgramIwl Pcu
Presentation on activities in the Black Sea Catchment of Georgia.
Presented at the Black Sea – Danube Regional Conference on Nutrient Pollution Control in Chisinau, Moldova – October 2006
Agricultural Pollution Control Project of Moldova: The Progress Made Iwl Pcu
Dr. A. Jolondcovschi- Project Manager, Silvia Pana-Carp – Project Assistant
Presentation on the Moldova APCP project results given at the 6th Regional Nutrient Reduction Conference in the Black Sea - Danube Basin in Ankara, Turkey.
This presentation was given at the EPA’s National Water Event 2019, which took place on 29 and 30 May 2019 in Galway. This presentation by Feargal O Coigligh from DHPLG is on Addressing Ireland's Water challenges and the National Response
New Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) guidelines 24 Sept 2020Nikesh Banwade
The presentation comprises of comparison new Ground water NOC, guidelines, ground water withdrawal and compensation charges Procedure for ground water NOC, guidelines, ground water withdrawal and compensation charges
This presentation was given at the EPA’s National Water Event 2019, which took place on 29 and 30 May 2019 in Galway. This presentation by Caroline Johnston from the Commission for Regulations of Utilities is on the cost and value of water.
Georgia ARET Project: Environment Pollution Control ProgramIwl Pcu
Presentation on activities in the Black Sea Catchment of Georgia.
Presented at the Black Sea – Danube Regional Conference on Nutrient Pollution Control in Chisinau, Moldova – October 2006
Agricultural Pollution Control Project of Moldova: The Progress Made Iwl Pcu
Dr. A. Jolondcovschi- Project Manager, Silvia Pana-Carp – Project Assistant
Presentation on the Moldova APCP project results given at the 6th Regional Nutrient Reduction Conference in the Black Sea - Danube Basin in Ankara, Turkey.
This presentation was given at the 2019 Catchment Management Notwork meeting, which was held on the 11 October in Tullamore. All our local authorities and other bodies responsible for implementing the Water Framework Directive in Ireland attended to share knowledge and learn from each other.
Presentation by R Wassmann, International Rice Research Institute, at the CCAFS Workshop on Institutions and Policies to Scale out Climate Smart Agriculture held between 2-5 December 2013, in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Keynote presentation by Dr Reiner Wassmann, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) at CCAFS webinar 'Exploring GHG mitigation potential in rice production' on 18 September 2014.
By Asad Sarwar Qureshi, Samina Yasmin, Nikar C. Howlader, Timothy J. Krupnik
Revitalizing the Ganges Coastal Zone Conference
21-23 October 2014, Dhaka, Bangladesh
http://waterandfood.org/ganges-conference/
Agricultural Research, Extension and Training Project
ENVIRONMENT POLLUTION CONTROL PROGRAM
2001-2006 -
Competitive Grant Scheme to support adaptive research and technology dissemination at the farm level.
Reform of Agricultural System for a selected high priority research direction.
Environment Pollution Control Program to reduce agricultural nutrient pollution of the rivers draining into the Black Sea.
Improve management of the land and water resources that will ultimately lead to the decreased nutrient pollution of the Black Sea.
Christine Brown - Canadian Livestock Producers Efforts to Improve Water QualityJohn Blue
Canadian Livestock Producers Efforts to Improve Water Quality - Christine Brown, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, from the 2020 Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, held March 3-4, 2020, Ada, OH, USA.
World Bank Experiences with Agricultural Non Point Source Pollution Control P...Iwl Pcu
A close interaction between research, government and farmers is a promising way of successful implementation of measures that lead to reduced use of N in agriculture and in the losses of nitrogen through nitrate leaching, ammonia volatilisation or soil erosion.
This presentation was given at the 2019 Catchment Management Notwork meeting, which was held on the 11 October in Tullamore. All our local authorities and other bodies responsible for implementing the Water Framework Directive in Ireland attended to share knowledge and learn from each other.
Presentation by R Wassmann, International Rice Research Institute, at the CCAFS Workshop on Institutions and Policies to Scale out Climate Smart Agriculture held between 2-5 December 2013, in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Keynote presentation by Dr Reiner Wassmann, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) at CCAFS webinar 'Exploring GHG mitigation potential in rice production' on 18 September 2014.
By Asad Sarwar Qureshi, Samina Yasmin, Nikar C. Howlader, Timothy J. Krupnik
Revitalizing the Ganges Coastal Zone Conference
21-23 October 2014, Dhaka, Bangladesh
http://waterandfood.org/ganges-conference/
Agricultural Research, Extension and Training Project
ENVIRONMENT POLLUTION CONTROL PROGRAM
2001-2006 -
Competitive Grant Scheme to support adaptive research and technology dissemination at the farm level.
Reform of Agricultural System for a selected high priority research direction.
Environment Pollution Control Program to reduce agricultural nutrient pollution of the rivers draining into the Black Sea.
Improve management of the land and water resources that will ultimately lead to the decreased nutrient pollution of the Black Sea.
Christine Brown - Canadian Livestock Producers Efforts to Improve Water QualityJohn Blue
Canadian Livestock Producers Efforts to Improve Water Quality - Christine Brown, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, from the 2020 Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, held March 3-4, 2020, Ada, OH, USA.
World Bank Experiences with Agricultural Non Point Source Pollution Control P...Iwl Pcu
A close interaction between research, government and farmers is a promising way of successful implementation of measures that lead to reduced use of N in agriculture and in the losses of nitrogen through nitrate leaching, ammonia volatilisation or soil erosion.
Breakout Session Slides
Integrating Agriculture into Regional Climate Action Plans – Adria Arko, Eliza Milio, and Avana Andrade highlighted San Mateo RCD’s partnership with local jurisdictions to integrate agriculture and carbon sequestration into climate action plans.
Tuesday, February 13, 4:20 - 5:00 p.m.
Emerald Biogas Food For Thought Presentation - 24th January 2014velvetcommunications
Emerald Biogas based in Newton Aycliffe, are the North East of England's first commercial food waste anaerobic digestion facility. Working with the private and public sector we are committed to recycling and reusing the region’s food waste to generate electricity, heat and biofertiliser. With proven expertise in the recycling and renewables industry you can be assured that your waste is being treated in a safe, secure and environmentally friendly way.
Emerald Biogas Food For Thought Presentationsiclayton
Emerald Biogas are the North East of England's first commercial food waste anaerobic digestion facility. Working with the private and public sector we are committed to recycling and reusing the region’s food waste to generate electricity, heat and biofertiliser. With proven expertise in the recycling and renewables industry you can be assured that your waste is being treated in a safe, secure and environmentally friendly way.
Presentation by for the Climate Change and Midwest Agriculture: Impacts, Challenges, & Opportunities workshop held by the USDA Midwest Climate Hub on March 1-2, 2016.
Environment conference presentation by Julie Girling, MEPMargaret Mathews
Presentation by Julie Girling MEP (South West & Gibraltar) to the Environment Conference 2017 which took place on Friday 17th March at the Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, UK.
Climate-Smart Agriculture Training for Practitioners
Asia Development Bank
9-11 October 2018, Tokyo, Japan
Session: Options for Mitigation in Agriculture
Presented by Lini Wollenberg, Low Emissions Development Flagship Leader, CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS)
Rural Crime Prevention Webinar October 24th 2022IrishFarmers
Farms in the autumn and winter months can be dark and secluded places and can prove an inviting target for criminals who are looking to steal farm vehicles, fuel, tools, and equipment.
Being proactive about your farm security will help to guard your farm and possessions, act as a deterrent to criminals, and give you extra peace of mind.
IFA Briefing on Sectoral Emission Ceilings.pptxIrishFarmers
IFA held an online briefing on Wednesday evening, 3rd August 2022 at 8pm, to update members on the Government’s decision on sectoral emissions ceilings and its potential implications for Irish farmers.
A process server is a authorized person for delivering legal documents, such as summons, complaints, subpoenas, and other court papers, to peoples involved in legal proceedings.
Presentation by Jared Jageler, David Adler, Noelia Duchovny, and Evan Herrnstadt, analysts in CBO’s Microeconomic Studies and Health Analysis Divisions, at the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists Summer Conference.
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
Many ways to support street children.pptxSERUDS INDIA
By raising awareness, providing support, advocating for change, and offering assistance to children in need, individuals can play a crucial role in improving the lives of street children and helping them realize their full potential
Donate Us
https://serudsindia.org/how-individuals-can-support-street-children-in-india/
#donatefororphan, #donateforhomelesschildren, #childeducation, #ngochildeducation, #donateforeducation, #donationforchildeducation, #sponsorforpoorchild, #sponsororphanage #sponsororphanchild, #donation, #education, #charity, #educationforchild, #seruds, #kurnool, #joyhome
2. 2
Nitrates Directive
• Aims to protect water quality from pollution by agricultural sources and to
promote the use of good farming practice.
• It is an integral part of the Water Framework Directive.
• The Directive sets out a maximum limit of 170 kg/ha/year of Nitrogen from
livestock manure that can be applied on land.
• Ireland is required to prepare national Nitrates Action Programme (NAP)
ever four years.
3. 3
Nitrate Action Programme (NAP)
• Sets out measures to prevent pollution of water from agricultural sources.
• First NAP came into operation in 2006.
• There is a requirement to review the NAP at least every four years.
• The Nitrates Derogation is reviewed in parallel with the NAP.
• Ireland’s fourth NAP came into operation in 2018 and expires on 31st
December 2021.
4. 4
4th NAP 2017 - 2021
• The EU (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations
2017 commonly referred to as Nitrates regulation came into effect on 1st
January 2018.
• It was amended in March 2018.
• There was a Review of the Nitrate Derogation in 2019.
• There were three amendments to the Nitrates regulation in 2020.
o 14th February
o 20th June
o 20th November
5. 5
Key elements of Irelands NAP
• NAP applied on a country-wide basis.
• The principal elements of the NAP include:
o limits on farm stocking rates.
o legal maximum for nitrogen and phosphorus application rates.
o prohibited spreading periods.
o minimum storage requirements for livestock manures.
o requirements regarding maintenance of green cover in tillage lands.
o set-back distances from waters.
6. 6
Nitrates Derogation
• Allows farmers to farm up to 250kg/ha/year.
• Derogation was originally granted by the Commission in 2007 and
renewed in 2010, 2014 and 2017.
• Other EU MS were granted a derogation in 2020 of up to 250kg/ha/year.
7. 7
Water Framework Directive (WFD)
• The WFD is implemented through the River Basin Management Plan
(RBMP).
• The Plan sets out the actions to improve water quality and achieve ‘good’
or ‘high’ ecological status in water bodies by 2027.
• There was a public consultation on the RBMP 2022 – 2027 in 2020.
o IFA made submission to the consultation process.
• The RBMP 2022 – 2027 is to be published by December 2021.
• The RBMP and NAP are reviewed in parallel.
8. 8
Water Quality
• The Water Quality in Ireland 2013-2018 (2019) report showed a 4.4% net
decline (117 water bodies) in the quality of surface water bodies.
o Agriculture affecting water quality in 53% of the water bodies.
• The EPA Water Quality 2020 (2021) report attributed high nitrates levels in
water bodies in the south, south east and east as sourced primarily from
agriculture.
• These reports provide the evaluation of the ecological health of water
bodies against objectives set out in the WFD and RBMPs.
9. 9
Water Quality (2)
• Ireland’s water bodies remain among the cleanest in Europe.
• Ireland is the only EU countries with 0% of groundwater stations reporting a
nitrates concentration 50mg/l (the EU average is 13.3%).
• The EPA Water Quality 2020 report shows that 47 water bodies in Prioritised
Action Areas (PAA) has shown improvement to water quality.
• Actions being taken by farmers through Agricultural Sustainability Support
and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) and the Agricultural Catchments
Programme (ACP) are showing improvements to water quality.
• Findings from the Agricultural Catchment Programme show significant year
to year variations.
11. 11
1. Chemical Fertiliser Register
• Merchants to register chemical fertiliser sales against individual farmer’s
herd numbers.
• 18 – 24 months development period.
What farmers need:
• Ability to forward buy fertiliser when prices are
competitive.
• Flexibility in reporting – conacre, summer grazing
etc.
12. 12
2. Improving Compliance
• 2,000 inspections
• Improve compliance rates that delivers on key objectives.
What farmers need:
• Improved transparency on rates of inspection and
inspection outcomes.
• Rationale for recurrent inspections.
• Yellow card system for minor non-compliances.
13. 13
3. Review ASSAP
(Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advice Programme)
• Voluntary collaboration between farmers, advisors and Local authority staff.
• 190 catchments.
• Year 3
What farmers need:
• Expand ASSAP as per Programme for Government.
• Prescriptive measures rather than blanket
regulation.
• Acknowledgement of effort.
14. 14
4. Slurry Storage and Management
• Outwintering – on farms less than 100 kg N/ha (reduced from 140 kg N/ha)
• 1st January 2023 - farmers stocked >170 kg N/ha must demonstrate clear
separation of slurry and clean water management in the farmyard
• Construction of uncovered slurry storage prohibited from January 1st 2022.
• All existing external stores must be covered by December 31st 2027.
What farmers need:
• Out wintering – retain eligibility for farms stocked less than
140kgN/ha
• No scientific justification for separate soiled water and slurry
tanks.
• Outright rejection to covering external stores
• DAFM need to demonstrate that covering external slurry
stores improves water quality.
• Covering external stores – issues with agitation
15. 15
4. Slurry Storage and Management (2)
The proposed changes are:
• It shall be a requirement that all slurry must be applied by;
o 30th September for 2022 for Zones A, B and C
o 15th September for 2023 and subsequent years for Zones A, B and C
.
Farm size 100 cows
Excretion rate per cow 0.33m3/week
4 weeks extra storage 0.33 x 100 x 4
132m3 or
132,000 L
Precast tank €33,040
16. 16
4. Slurry Storage and Management (2)
The proposed changes are:
• It shall be a requirement that all slurry must be applied by;
o 30th September for 2022 for Zones A, B and C
o 15th September for 2023 and subsequent years for Zones A, B and C
.
What farmers need:
• Outright rejection of this proposal.
• Slurry produced from the previous winter spread earlier in
the season.
• No research completed to support this proposal.
• Provisions for slurry produced from 15th September to 15th
October.
17. 17
5. Soiled Water Storage & Management
• From 1st January 2022 , the spreading of soiled water will be prohibited
between 15th November and 15th January.
• All holdings producing soiled water must have a minimum of 4 weeks’
storage in place by 31st December 2024.
18. 18
5. Soiled Water Storage & Management
• From 1st January 2022 , the spreading of soiled water will be prohibited
between 15th November and 15th January.
• All holdings producing soiled water must have a minimum of 4 weeks’
storage in place by 31st December 2024.
4 weeks storage
Spring €14296
Split calving €29740
N content / 2,500
gallons
Cattle Slurry 16.25 units
Soiled water 3.34 units
What farmers need:
• Outright rejection of this proposal.
• Soiled water has minimal N
• Cost outweighs benefit
19. 19
6. Livestock excretion rates
• Proposed changes to dairy cow excretion rates
Band 1 <4,500kg – 80 kg Organic N/ha
Band 2 4,501 and 6,500kg, - 92 kg Organic N/ha
Band 3 >6,500kg – 106 kg Organic N/ha
Stocking rate N excretion rate per cow
100 cows
>6500L
250kgN/ha
85kg 92kg 106kg
Land required 34ha 37ha 42.5ha
€3000
@€200/acre
What farmers need:
• Phased in approach of this proposal over 4 years.
• Land availability – indirect consequences for other
sectors
20. 20
7. Dairy Industry N reduction initiative
• ASSAP Co-Op working group
• ICOS and DSI
• Financial assistance not agreed
• Initial stages of proposal
What farmers need:
• Function of Co-Op is to support farmers through
initiatives such as Milk Flex and Joint Programmes
• Farmers must be key stakeholders in the
development of any farmer programme.
21. 21
31st
Jan
3rd
Feb
19th
Feb
8. Chemical Fertiliser Controls
• 10% national reduction in chemical N.
• 15% in some areas based on the EPA catchment
assessment report.
Farm
Income
40ha farm
10%
reduction
15%
reduction
-€3480 -€5000
What farmers need:
• Support and guidance to optimize the nutrient value
from LESS, Clover, Protected Urea etc. to overcome
reduction in chemical N use.
• Phased in approach to reductions to minimize impact
on farm profitability.
22. 22
9. Sewage/Industrial Sludges
• Understanding of the movement of sludges and the application of sludges
to agricultural land
• Nitrates Expert Group will be working with the various stakeholders to
adequately address the risk from this ever-increasing nutrient source.
10. P Build-Up
• The annual maximum fertilisation rates of phosphorus on grassland adopting
increased P build-up application rates will be reviewed
• Extend facility to farmers operating above 100 kg N/ha
23. 23
11. Green cover on tillage ground
• shallow cultivation of harvested crops 7 days post-harvest.
• Identification of critical sources areas for late harvested crops and putting in
place appropriate buffers to protect any intersecting water bodies.
What farmers need:
• Shallow cultivation 7 days post harvest only required on fields
where straw is chopped. This must be extended to 28 days post
harvest where straw is baled
• Rolling/straw harrow instead of cultivation for strip still/zero
tillage farmers
• Flexibility with later harvested crops
24. 24
12. Organic Matter determination
• From 2022, all soils in the Teagasc- EPA Indicative Soils map layer for >20%
Organic Matter will be required to be soil tested for Organic Matter.
• Approx. cost €10-€20 per sample
13. Soil Tests
• Review of P test to accurately reflect the amount of P available in the soil.
25. 25
14. Grazing Land Management
• In terms of short term grazing, only land within 30km allowed to be
considered in stocking rate calculation.
• Currently for Nitrates Derogation Farms, Commonage and Rough Grazing
are permitted for inclusion for 170kg N/ha allowance. To protect these areas
further and the whole farm nutrient planning process, it is proposed to
reduce these below the 170kg N/ha threshold.
What farmers need:
• No scientific basis for a nominal figure of 30km.
• Proportionate contribution to whole farm stocking rate
by rough grazing/commonage.
26. 26
15. Review of Technical tables
• The information is not up to date in the technical tables and will be
considered as part of the review.
What farmers need:
• No Visibility
• Technical tables – Foundation of the NAP.
• Any changes to tables impacts all NAP requirements.
• Careful consideration and long term adoption
27. 27
16. Air Quality
• Compulsory usage of LESS - Farms stocked above 100 Kg livestock N/ha from
2023 and for all Pig farmers from 2023 onwards.
• All organic manures applied to arable land must be by low emission or
incorporated within 12 hours of application.
What farmers need:
• Outright rejection of this proposal
• Risk to water quality?
• GHG mitigation – AgClimatise
29. 29
What we have done so far….
• High level meeting with DAFM in October 2020 in advance of review.
• The 1st stage public consultation opened in November 2020.
o IFA made submission in advance of 15th January 2021 closing date.
o IFA supported local farmer groups to make submissions.
o IFA met with Nitrates Expert Group in May 2021.
• IFA hosted a online farmers nitrates meeting in December 2020.
• IFA in regular contact with Minister McConalogue and other TDs/Senators
to outline farmers concerns and stress importance of maintenance of
derogation.
• An urgent meeting has been sought with Minister McConalogue on
proposed measures.
30. 30
NAP Public Consultation
• The new Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) must be finalised by 31st
December 2021.
• 2nd stage public consultation opened 9th August 2021
o Closing date for submissions 20th September.
• The 2nd stage consultation was scheduled to open in March/April 2021
o Lost opportunity for 2nd stage report to be published in June 2021.
• Information on public consultation:
https://www.gov.ie/en/consultation/0b39f-public-consultation-on-irelands-
nitrates-action-programme/.
31. 31
What next….
• IFA will be preparing submission based on farmer feedback and scientific
credibility of proposed measures to improve water quality.
• To feed into process please email: nitrates@ifa.ie.
• A position paper on red line issues will be developed to be used by farmers
to lobby TDs/Senators.
• IFA will provide assistance to individual farmers and farmer groups that
want to make a submission.
• Voice your concerns, make a submission by 20th September.
32. 32
Summary
• The proposed measures will impact all farms.
• A cost benefit analysis of the proposed measures must be undertaken
• Many of the proposals have significant cost implications for farmers but
there is no indication of how these will be supported.
• The Nitrates Derogation must be maintained.
• IFA reject the following proposed measures:
• Covering external stores.
• Change of slurry spreading dates.
• Soiled water storage requirement.
• Compulsory usage of LESS on farms stocked above 100 Kg/livestock
N/ha
• Farmers have a key role to play, but measures must focus on the protection
of water quality.