Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon has emphasized that securing the nitrates derogation for Irish farmers remains the Government’s highest priority as detailed negotiations continue with the European Commission.
Speaking at the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Co Offaly, Minister Heydon told RTÉ Radio’s Morning Ireland that Ireland is facing unprecedented requirements related to the habitats directive. “To be clear, we’re being asked to do something that no other European country has had to do yet in their farming system around the habitats directive,” he said.
The Minister stressed that Ireland’s unique pasture-based farming system justifies maintaining the derogation, which allows farmers to apply higher levels of nitrogen per hectare than standard EU limits. “Irish cows are out on grass on average 240 days of the year compared to the intensive system across Europe where a lot of those cows don’t see the sky too often,” he explained.
Mr Heydon expressed confidence about retaining the derogation, noting that Ireland is “the only country in line to hold on to a derogation” and believes there is “a very good chance” of success due to the Government’s prioritization of the issue.
The Minister also highlighted his commitment to securing increased CAP funding for the agriculture sector, describing it as “absolutely pivotal” to farm income viability. He announced that €183 million in advance payments will be distributed to 87,000 farmers in the coming days through the Areas of Natural Constraints scheme, supporting those on marginal land with less intensive farming operations.
“We have got to get the CAP funding back up to at least a hundred percent of what it is now,” Mr Heydon said, warning that failure to secure adequate European funding could force the State to compensate from national resources.
The Minister emphasized Ireland’s status as a “significant net contributor to the EU” while defending the importance of continued support for the country’s farming system and rural economies.