Tirlán welcomes positive EU vote on Nitrates Derogation

Tirlán Co-op has welcomed today’s positive vote by the EU Nitrates Committee on Ireland’s application to retain a Derogation, describing it as a crucial step in safeguarding the country’s grass-based family farming model and rural economy.

The Nitrates Derogation is a provision within the Nitrates Directive allowing a scientifically justified higher limit on the application of livestock manure to land, subject to adherence to additional regulatory requirements.

“The vote today on a three-year extension brings welcome clarity for Irish farmers,” said John Murphy, Tirlán chairperson. Speaking from Brussels where he attended a series of meetings this week, John Murphy said: “The extension to the Derogation underpins the viability of thousands of family farms and supports Ireland’s reputation for sustainable, grass-based food production.”

John Murphy thanked farmers for their ongoing efforts to protect and enhance water quality in Ireland. This work must now continue, he said, with an unrelenting focus on delivering reductions in nutrient losses from all sources, including agriculture. He also commended Irish Co-ops, the Irish farm organisations, Teagasc and industry representative groups including ICOS, DII and MII for their collaborative approach to protecting water quality and retaining the Derogation.

“Appropriate levels of funding and support need to continue to be provided to allow farmers to invest in the infrastructure required to meet the requirements of the Derogation. In addition, the newly introduced requirements around the Habitats Directive need to be satisfied in a pragmatic and sensible manner that is not too onerous and allow farmers to continue to produce food,” he added.

Tirlán Chief Executive Seán Molloy said that the Co-op and its farmer Members have been consistently advocating for and taking action in support of water quality and for the continuation of the Nitrates Derogation.

This includes:

• Farming for Water: River Slaney Project, a European award-winning project to protect and enhance water quality;
• Tirlán’s annual €16 million Sustainability Action Payment which encourages uptake of positive environmental measures by farmers;
• Targeted water protection measures under the European Innovation Partnership (EIP). Tirlán continues to work with our Co-op Members, submitting applications for a total of €5.4 million to date to support targeted on-farm actions to protect and enhance water quality.

“These actions demonstrate that Irish farmers are delivering measurable improvements in water quality,” Seán  Molloy said. “We will continue to work with our Members to meet environmental targets and strengthen Ireland’s case for the future.”

First Published 9 Decemeber 2025