Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 534: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the difficult weather conditions in 2008 and the consequently increased consumption of compound feeds by animals on farms, he will review the regulations regarding permissible levels of phosphates and potash allowed to be spread on farm holdings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35704/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The requirements in relation to phosphorus are set out in the Nitrates Regulations introduced by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in 2006 (SI No. 378 of 2006). The Regulations set maximum limits on the application of fertilisers containing nitrogen and phosphorus and require a farmer to take account of the phosphorus content of any concentrated feedstuffs fed to grazing livestock on the holding in calculating the maximum amount of phosphorus that may be applied on that holding in a given year. While the usage of feedstuffs may have increased as a result of the recent bad weather, the sales of fertilisers containing phosphorus are significantly reduced this year with the result that abiding by the maximum fertilisation rates should be easier for farmers.

The overall objective of the Regulations is to protect water quality and these provisions are designed to control the application of fertilisers, including the timing, method and maximum amounts that may be applied, in order to prevent fertiliser losses to water. The contents of the Regulations, including the maximum fertilisation rates and method of calculation, were the subject of extensive consultation with stakeholders, including the farming bodies, and were finalised following a long period of negotiation with the EU Commission. I am informed that there are no plans to review the maximum fertilisation rates.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 535: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the format whereby his Department notifies farmers regarding their stocking density; if he will review same with a view to informing farmers on a more frequent basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35705/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Annual statements indicating the production of nitrogen and phosphorus (N&P) by cattle on a holding have been supplied to farmers since 2006. Mid-year statements have also been provided as a service to farmers to assist them in calculating N&P production on their holdings and to enable them to take appropriate steps if they appear likely to exceed the maximum of limit of 170 kg per hectare of nitrogen from livestock manure per year as required under the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006 (SI no. 378 of 2006).

My Department now offers farmers access to their annual statement on-line. For farmers without on-line access, the annual statements are available on request from my Department's Nitrates Section in Johnstown Castle and from District Veterinary Offices.

My Department has also consulted the farm bodies on the format and content of the statements. The feasibility of the suggestions that have been put forward, including the possibility of making statements available on a more frequent basis, will have to be examined in the light of current financial constraints.