Kilkenny man and ICMSA President Denis Drennan welcomes nitrates derogation extension

Irish dairy farmers will continue to be allowed to spread higher levels of fertiliser following a European vote yesterday.

The Nitrates Committee of the European Commission met to extend the derogation, which expires this month, until the end of 2028 with some new conditions attached.

The agreement means thousands of farmers can keep more livestock per acre of land than is allowed under the EU Nitrates Directive.

President of the ICMSA Denis Drennan says the news is positive;