Farmers and people employed in agriculture related businesses took part in a demonstration in Co Cork tonight to highlight their concerns over tightening nitrates restrictions which could force farmers to reduce cow numbers substantially.
The event took place in Bandon, and organisers say more than 2,000 people attended from all over Munster, many with tractors and other agri-industry vehicles.
They heard speakers from the Irish Farmers Association condemn potential cuts which would force farmers to reduce stock, access more land or start exporting slurry off their farms.
The concerns come about after a review of the nitrates derogation - that allows nearly 7,000 dairy farms carry more stock that normally permitted - found water quality in Ireland did not improve in 2022 compared with the previous year.
The review was carried out by the Environmental Protection Agency, to specific parameters set out in Ireland's derogation agreement with the European Commission.
That agreement says the allowance of 250kg of organic nitrogen per hectare, would be cut to 220kg from next January, in the event water quality disimproved.
Farmers are angry however, that water protection measures they have adopted in the recent past are not being taken into account, and say water quality has actually improved in some areas with many derogation farms.
They are urging the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue to engage with the Commission to ensure farms remain viable.
Read more: McConalogue trying to get more time on nitrates derogation
