Farming is under the environmental spotlight. Close attention is being paid to water quality in our countryside, towns and cities. Now, there are rumours of proposed changes to the Nitrates Action Plan
Farming is under the environmental spotlight. Close attention is being paid to water quality in our countryside, towns and cities.
While concerns have been raised about untreated sewage being discharged into rivers in some locations around the country, so too have issues come to light surrounding chemical run-off and pollution from nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural sources.
The next round of CAP is expected to have a keen environmental focus linked to farm payments.
Recently, the review of Ireland's Nitrates Action Programme, designed to prevent pollution of surface waters and groundwater from agricultural sources, was released.
After examining submissions, the expert group chaired by the Department of Local Government and Department of Agriculture, and also containing experts from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Teagasc, has come back with recommendations.
Some concerns have been raised by farmers that the recommendations may lead to significant extra costs.
Source: FarmIreland.ie
