Extension to Nitrates Derogation application and Dairy Banding deadline
Extensions to the deadlines to submit Nitrates Derogation applications for 2024 and for dairy farmers to confirm their 2024 dairy excretion rate band were today announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D.
Originally scheduled to close on April 19, 2024, the 2024 Nitrates Derogation application deadline is extended to Friday, April 26, 2024. Intending applicants seeking a derogation should immediately contact their advisor if they have not already done so.
Meanwhile, the 2024 Dairy Excretion Rate Band deadline is extended to Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
Commenting on the extension, Minister McConalogue said: “In light of continued challenging weather conditions, I am conscious of the pressures on farmers and on their advisors to provide the necessary supports during this time. I have agreed these extensions to allow farmers the necessary time to effectively engage with their advisor.”
Minister McConalogue also said: “Extending the deadline for confirmation of a dairy herd’s excretion rate band for 2024 will facilitate submissions being made when farmers are meeting advisors to finalise their BISS applications, which are due to be submitted by the 15th of May.”
The 2024 Nitrates Dairy Band for dairy herds can be submitted online via the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) website. Farmers are reminded that the opt-in measure for a dairy farmer to feed a lower level of crude protein to their herd and achieve a reduced N excretion rate is only available for those who submit their band through ICBF.
For the small cohort of farmers who have not consented to their milk data being shared with ICBF, these farmers are required to complete a manual form available to download on the Department’s website.