Clare Based ICSA Chair Brands New Nitrates Stocking Rate As 'Shortsighted'

The Clare based chair of the Irish Cattle & Sheep Farmers Association claims farmers are being unnecessarily penalised by environmental measures. It comes as the European Commission looks set to reduce the maximum stocking rate for nitrate derogation to 220kg per hectare in an a bid to protect natural water sources from potential agricultural pollution. Large patches of farmland throughout the country will be subject to the new rules, despite reports from Teagasc experts that the directive won't improve water quality and will cut dairy profits by as much as 30%. Cratloe farmer Eddie Punch believes the move is short-sighted and will result in significant financial burdens.