As the closed period for slurry spreading comes to an end we continue to experience challenging weather and certain areas remain affected by unfavourable ground conditions.
In light of this the Ulster Farmers’ Union is urging farmers to be cautious to protect their Single Farm Payment. The Union is also warning contractors that they too can now be penalised under the 2015-2018 Nitrates Action Programme and phosphorus regulations.
“Ground and weather conditions are very difficult. While the closed period ends on 31 January, the nitrates programme also restricts slurry spreading at other times when conditions are unsuitable. It also makes clear that despite floods, spreading must be at specified distances from waterways. Any farmer breaching these conditions could see their Single Farm Payment penalised,” said UFU environment committee chairman, Wilbert Mayne. He warned that with cash flow a major issue farmers cannot risk penalties, but said many faced a difficult dilemma because tanks are filling up while in certain areas ground conditions are not suitable for spreading.
When the Nitrates Directive was introduced, the UFU secured an ‘exceptional circumstances’ clause for conditions that leave farmers unable to fully comply through no fault of their own. As a result those forced to spread in early February could claim ‘exceptional circumstances’, but as was the case during the closed period, detailed documentation may be required to avoid penalties. The UFU can assist members with this process.
“Contractors carrying out slurry spreading can now also be penalised for spreading organic manures and chemical fertiliser in inappropriate conditions or too close to a waterway. A penalty can also be applied even if a farmer is carrying out the work for another farmer,” warned Mr Mayne. The UFU says this need for caution by farmers and contractors has been made even more crucial by the latest Brussels review of the nitrates programme and a more intense focus on water quality.
“Since regulations were introduced, and then made even tougher, farmers have invested to comply. New Rural Development Programme schemes later this year will make funds available to further improve water quality and the rural environment. We want to see these schemes available as soon as possible, so that farmers can begin investing this spring in nutrient efficient technology,” said Mr Mayne. He said the European Commission and others needed to recognise that tackling water quality was a long term challenge, and that substantial progress had been made by farmers, despite the financial pressure the industry is under.
The UFU is also urging those wishing to avail of the nitrates derogation for 2016, which allows up to 250 kgN/ha/year on farms operating under specified conditions, to remember they must apply to NIEA by 1 March. Fertilisation accounts should also be submitted to NIEA by then by those who had an approved derogation in 2015.
