Online system opens for 2026 Nitrates Derogation applications and Dairy Band confirmation
- Foilsithe:
- An t-eolas is déanaí:
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, today announced that 2026 Nitrates Derogation applications can now be made on www.myagfood.ie.
“The Nitrates Derogation allows approximately 7,000 farmers to farm at a higher stocking rate, subject to additional Terms and Conditions designed to protect our watercourses,”
Minister Heydon said
“Opening the 2026 Nitrates Derogation is a significant milestone for me as Minister for Agriculture, having secured a three-year extension to the derogation towards the end of last year. I encourage farmers to discuss their need to apply for a Nitrates Derogation with their agricultural advisor as soon as possible.”
The closing date for 2026 Nitrates Derogation applications is Friday the 15th of May 2026. Further information on the 2026 Nitrates Derogation Terms and Conditions are available on the Department’s website at: www.gov.ie/nitrates
In addition, Nitrogen and Phosphorus statements, detailing each holding’s bovine grassland stocking rate for 2025 are available on the Department’s online system www.myagfood.ie. The previous year’s stocking rate determines each farm’s grassland fertiliser allowance as set out in the Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters Regulations (S.I. 588 of 2025, as amended).
The Minister also confirmed that the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) website has opened to facilitate dairy farmers to confirm their Dairy Band for 2026.
Dairy farmers should confirm their herd’s dairy cow band for 2026 and, if desired, opt-in to receive recognition for managing crude protein in the concentrates fed to their cows last year. This is also confirmed using the ICBF website.
After the 15th of May, dairy farmers who have not confirmed their herd’s band for 2026 will be defaulted to the highest excretion rate band of 106kg N/dairy cow for 2026, until they submit appropriate information to the Department to confirm their herd’s band. The deadline for such submissions is the 31st of December.
The Minister added,
“My Department is writing to all dairy farmers this week to remind them of changes introduced under the 6th Nitrates Action Programme regarding the Milking Platform Measure and increases in slurry and soiled water storage requirements from the 1st of October 2028. As farmers carry out busy spring work, it is important that they are aware of the possible need to record movement of slurry off the milking platform and engage with their agricultural advisor, where appropriate, regarding the new rules. As organic nutrient storage requirements will be increasing in 2028, farmers should take the opportunity to put a plan in place regarding planning permission and finance where necessary.”
Notes for Editors
Nitrates Derogation
2026 Nitrates Derogation applications can be submitted using the Department’s online portal, www.myagfood.ie
The Nitrates Derogation allows farmers to exceed the normal limit of 170kg of livestock manure Nitrogen per hectare set down in the Nitrates Regulations, up to a maximum of 220kg or 250kg per hectare, subject to adherence to stricter rules. In all cases commonage land can only qualify for a maximum allowance of 50kg of livestock manure Nitrogen per hectare.
For a Nitrates Derogation application to be valid, all Terms and Conditions for the Derogation must be adhered to.
Nitrates Dairy Banding
Banding of dairy cow excretion rates was introduced in 2023 reflecting scientific research that shows increasing milk yield increases the dairy cow’s nutrient excretion rate.
Dairy farmers must confirm their dairy band each year. This is best done through the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) website which contains pre-populated milk and dairy cow data. Farmers are advised to use either a laptop or PC to confirm their band on ICBF.
Where a dairy farmer has not consented to their milk purchaser sharing their data with ICBF, these farms will need to complete a manual form and provide supporting milk purchaser statements.
The option for a dairy farmer to receive recognition for feeding a lower level of crude protein to their herd and achieve a reduced nitrogen excretion rate is included on the ICBF portal. This opt-in measure is only available to those who declare their band through ICBF.
Key points to note for 2026 dairy banding confirmation:
- Reduced crude protein in concentrates fed in 2025 may be declared and a lower excretion rate applied.
- Submissions should be made by the 15th of May 2026. Late submissions and amendments will be processed up until midnight on the 31st of December 2026 only.
- An FAQ is available on www.gov.ie/nitrates