Serene countryside and idyllic rural landscape of green fields, rolling hills and grazing sheep in the Glens of Antrim, Northern Ireland
UFU is reminding farmers that the deadline of 1 March for applying for a nitrates derogation is approaching.
Farmers above the 170 kgN/ha/year limit should consider applying for a derogation if they can meet the criteria. The UFU would urge farmers to relook at their N loading now, to allow them time to consider their options and if necessary, apply for a derogation before the deadline.
A nitrates derogation allows a higher organic nitrogen loading of up to 250 kg N/ha/year on some farms with grazing livestock. All other farms in NI must comply with an organic nitrogen loading limit of 170 kg N/ha/year.
The UFU would urge any farmer who feels that they may need a derogation to submit an application online to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) by the 1 March 2026. While the additional requirements may seem off-putting, the derogation option may well be the most suitable option for a farm business.
Farmers who are already operating within an approved derogation for 2025 are required to submit a ‘fertilisation account’ to NIEA by 1 March 2026 and an application form if they wish to continue at the higher stocking rate in 2026. Failure to submit a fertilisation account could result in penalties being applied to area payments.
Anyone who requires assistance or would like further clarification on rules can contact their UFU technical officer for more information.
