Tirlán raises calls for clarity on the future of Ireland’s Nitrates Derogation

A series of meetings with Ireland’s EU Commissioner Michael McGrath, Irish MEPs and senior officials from the EU Council and Commission took place as Budget Day protests were on the streets outside the Parliament to highlight concerns over changes to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) fund for food production. 

As part of the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) delegation, Tirlán Chair John Murphy voiced significant concerns over any removal of ringfencing of CAP and recent changes of approach to Ireland’s Nitrates Derogation renewal process — at a time when farmers are investing in water quality and delivering real and measurable results.

It follows the recent introduction of a significant and unexpected change of approach by the European Commission to the renewal of Ireland’s Nitrates Derogation. 

It has been indicated that as part of the renewal process there may now be additional requirements around catchment-based assessments under the EU Habitats Directive. There is a lack of clarity around the complexity and potential costs of these requirements. 

Tirlán Chair John Murphy expressed serious concern on behalf of farmers at this change of approach with less than six months to go before the critical decision on the renewal. 

“We called for certainty and clarity on the approach and requirements as we met with Commissioner McGrath, Irish MEPS and senior officials from the Council and European Commission in Brussels. We had an exchange of views on the complexity of the new criteria and process around habitats as part of the derogation process. We are particularly concerned that this change could threaten the viability of some family farms into the future and have severe repercussions for the rural economy.

“It was good to hear the Commission recognise the importance of supporting the family farm grass-based model and the progress on water quality that has been achieved.”

The latest Environmental Protection Agency data confirms that nitrogen levels in rivers are now at their lowest since 2016.

“Tirlán and our farm families have invested heavily to deliver progress on water quality and must be allowed more time to continue this work. A fully funded CAP which supports farmers to invest in infrastructure and environmental measures is also key.

“Tirlán will continue to do its utmost alongside the sector to highlight the importance of renewing the Nitrates Derogation.” 

Tirlán’s CEO Seán Molloy has expressed frustration over the change in approach at a time when water quality results are continuing to improve. 
“The most recent developments with respect to the process for renewing the Nitrates Derogation is extremely frustrating and concerning for all our Co-op Members,” he said. 

“It is disappointing as it is coming at a time when real and measurable progress on improving water quality is being delivered.

“The Nitrates Derogation is critically important to the sustainable family farm model of grass-based production in Ireland. A united approach across all of our industry is needed now more than ever.” 

Alongside ICOS, Dairy Industry Ireland and other Irish Co-ops, Tirlán is continuing to advocate on the importance of delivering a retention of the derogation for Ireland and will continue to keep Co-op suppliers and Members informed as the process progresses.