September 9, 2010

Revised Nitrates Directive threatens EU's US$600-million livestock sector

The "unnecessary and punitive" measures proposed for inclusion in the revised programme for administering the Nitrates Directive will only threaten the EUR500-million (US$635.79 million) poultry and pig industries.

Independent MEP Marian Harkin said the present derogation, which permits the spreading of organic poultry and pig fertiliser, takes full account of environmental requirements and as such must be maintained. The measures were arising from the Irish government and not from EU requirements.

The additional demands of ministers Brendan Smith and John Gormley will do nothing for the environment but could sound the economic death-knell of the poultry and pig industries in Cavan, Monaghan and Longford.

"If there was an environmental imperative to meet the requirements of the Water Framework Directive, the argument of producers would be considerably weaker. However, there is clear evidence of improvement of Ireland's ground and surface waters and indeed the proof exists the major problems in this regard derive from municipal discharges as evidenced in the publication of the country's River Basin programmes," Harkin said.

She called on Minister Smith to rise to the challenge of defending the poultry and pig sectors and the 14,000 jobs involved.

"The government continuously stresses the value of the "smart" economy and if this is to apply to the food producing sector, "smart" action is urgently needed by taking Teagasc advice and continue the present system of manure spreading. A further four-year derogation will provide the time necessary to research and conclude a long term protocol which will provide the security necessary for this EUR500-million (US$635.79 million) business," she added.