There’s a further warning that changes to nitrates derogation limits will drive up the price of land in Sligo and Leitrim
Farmers are meeting the Taoiseach today to raise concerns over the issue.
European regulations aimed at reducing water pollution mean that farmers can only produce 170 kilograms of organic nitrogen per hectare of farmland.
Ireland currently has a derogation agreement that means some farmers have been permitted to produce 250 kilograms.
The EU Commission says the derogation would fall to 220 kilograms from January 1st – leaving farmers with three options – reduce the herd, buy more land or find someone to take slurry from their farms.
Sligo IFA Sheep Spokesperson Sean Crummy says it will have serious consequences for this region:
