Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Edwin Poots MLA has announced that his Department’s online system for submitting applications for a Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) derogation, and the submission of 2021 fertilisation accounts for derogated farms, has now opened.
The NAP Derogation is vital to some Northern Ireland cattle farms with higher stocking rates. Subject to meeting certain nutrient management and environmental criteria, it enables farmers to better utilise the nutrients within grazing livestock manures and operate more efficiently at a higher stocking rate.
Farmers can now submit their applications on the DAERA website for 2022 applications and submission of 2021 records. Applications must be submitted by 1st March 2022. For non-derogated farms, records of 2021 organic manure exports must be submitted via DAERA Online Services by 31st January 2022.
Having a derogation allows farmers to operate up to a manure Nitrogen Loading limit of 250 kg N/ha/year, compared to the general limit of 170 kg N/ha/year in the Nutrients Action Programme. This means they can maximise the use of manure nutrients on their farm without the need to export slurry and minimise their use of additional chemical fertilisers.
Minister Poots said: “I would encourage all farmers to check their farm nitrogen loading figures which can be done via the Department’s online services and apply for a derogation if necessary. Farmers who intend to apply for a derogation, must still prepare a fertilisation plan for their holding by 1st March and keep it updated during the year.”
The Minister continued: “The online system makes it easier and quicker for farmers, or their agents, to submit records while at the same time reducing the risk of errors and hence potential penalties being applied to the Basic Payment. Failure to submit the records could result in a penalty being applied, therefore I would encourage all farmers to submit the records on time in advance of the closing date.”
Notes to editors:
- The submission deadline date for applications for 2022 applications and submission of 2021 records is 23:59 on the 1st March 2022. Please note that fertilisation plans for 2022 must be prepared by the 1st March and be available on farm from this date.
- Having a derogation allows farmers to operate up to a manure Nitrogen Loading limit of 250 kg N/ha/year, compared to the general limit of 170 kg N/ha/year in the Nutrients Action Programme. This means they can maximise the use of manure nutrients on their farm without the need to export slurry and minimise their use of additional chemical fertilisers.
- The CAFRE N Loading Calculator, which is available at DAERA Online Services can be used to calculate a farm’s N Loading.
- The NAP Derogation Guidance 2019-2022, NAP Derogation Fertilisation Plan 2019-2022 and NAP Derogation Fertilisation Account 2019-2022 booklets are available at: Nutrients Action Programme 2019-2022.
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