REMINDER: Derogation farmers need to prepare 2021 fertiliser accounts

Farmers who applied for a Nitrates Derogation in 2021 are reminded they need to prepare 2021 fertiliser Accounts. The relevant form is now available online at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9563-rural-environment-sustainability-nitrates/

The closing date for submission of the fertiliser accounts will be 14th April 2022. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine advises 2021 Derogation applicants to contact their agricultural advisor as soon as possible regarding preparation of these Fertiliser Accounts.

Ireland’s proposed new Nitrates Action Programme is currently under review with the European Commission and is not yet finalised. A decision from the European Commission on Ireland’s Nitrates Action Programme is expected in mid-March.

Considering this, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has confirmed that, subject to the new Nitrates Action Programme being approved, the 2022 Nitrates Derogation will open for applications in mid-March and the normal closing date will be extended to 14th April 2022. Completed Fertiliser Accounts for 2021 will be able to be submitted on-line once that system opens.

End of Year Nitrogen and Phosphorus statements (N&P Statements) for January to December 2021 (cattle only) are also now available to view on the Department’s online system, https://agfood.agriculture.gov.ie/sso-auth-ui-applicant/#/login

Some documentation submitted to the Department after 31st December 2021 is not yet included; this will be processed in due course.

Farmers not already registered for agfood.ie can do so by logging onto www.agfood.ie and clicking the 'Register' button. More information is available on the Department’s website at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/department-of-agriculture-and-foods-online-services/