The Clare based chair of the Irish Cattle & Sheep Farmers Association claims farmers are being unnecessarily penalised by environmental measures.
The European Commission looks set to reduce the maximum stocking rate for nitrate derogation to 220kg per hectare in an a bid to protect natural water sources from pollution or agricultural run-off.
The EPA has indicated that large patches of farmland in this country will be subject to the new rules, despite reports from Teagasc experts that the move won’t improve water quality but will cut dairy farm profits by as much as 30%.
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Cratloe farmer Eddie Punch believes the move is short-sighted and will result in significant financial burdens.
You can listen to the full interview below.
