Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent)
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63. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will comment on agricultural sustainability in the context of the nitrates derogation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8371/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Food Vision 2030 aims to balance the economic, social and environmental sustainability of our agri-food sectors using a holistic food systems approach.

Aligned with Mission 1 of Food Vision, in 2022, Ireland secured an extension to our nitrate’s derogation covering the period to the end of 2025. This derogation allows farmers operate above a maximum stocking rate of 170 kg of livestock manure nitrogen per hectare subject to compliance with stricter environmental conditions.

The Nitrates Directive sets down the criteria that may permit a nitrates derogation. In accordance with those criteria, Ireland’s unique grass-based livestock production systems, our climate, and our soils justify our nitrates derogation.

In 2023, approximately 7,300 Irish farmers sought to avail of a nitrate’s derogation.

Irish water quality is relatively good compared to other EU Member States. However, Environment Protection Agency (EPA), data shows nutrient levels are too high in many of our waters.

I acknowledge farmers have embraced a significant number of changes in 2022 and 2023 through the current Nitrates Action Programme. Unfortunately, the impact of these changes is not yet evident in Irish water quality data.

Irish water quality data contributed to the European Commission attaching increased conditionality to Ireland's current nitrates derogation.

With this in mind, under the Interim Review of the Nitrates Action Programme, the Government will shortly bring forward a number of measures with the objective of improving water quality.

I believe farmer engagement with these new measures, along with improved compliance with, and enforcement of, existing measures will be critical to

1. drive improvements in Irish water quality,

2. secure improved sustainability for Irish farming and

3. retain the maximum possible stocking rates under our nitrates derogation.

As a State, we all have to work together to reduce the levels of nutrients in our water. This responsibility extends to all farmers, as well as all of society, including private dwellings on septic tanks and Uisce Eireann who are also investing to improve water quality.