Submission for third review of the Nitrates Directive National Action Programme

Teagasc Water Framework Directive (WFD) Working Group. Ger Shortle, David Wall, Pat Murphy (editors)

Industry impact: In 2017, Teagasc made a submission in response to the consultation process for the Nitrates Action Programme (NAP). The submission made specific proposals that have the potential to positively impact water quality based on research published since the last NAP. It reviewed technological and management changes impacting on farm productivity and environmental sustainability, and dealt with the implications of Food Wise 2025 for farming and water quality. The submission recommended amendments to the regulations based on the outcomes of its environmental research programme and supported by reviews of the current international scientific literature.

These were:

• to achieve more effective protection of the rural aquatic environment;
• to improve efficiency of agricultural production; and,
• to rationalise and simplify the operation of the Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) regulations.

Teagasc put forward eight proposals for amendments to the GAP regulations with a view to achieving more effective protection of water quality, and/or more efficient production without increased risk of nutrient loss to water. Given the challenges of increasing farm productivity while also improving water quality (and reducing greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions), significant changes to the fourth Nitrates Directive NAP for the protection of water quality, as well as the achievement of sustainable intensification objectives, have been made. All of the Teagasc proposals were adopted during the review process and the new regulations were approved by the EU Commission. 

Contribution of non-research stakeholders: The WFD Working Group is a collective effort from Teagasc research, knowledge transfer and advisory personnel. 

Funding: Teagasc grant-in-aid funding.