The Minister for Agriculture says an announcement is not expected on the nitrates derogation tomorrow. It comes amid speculation that an agreement was imminent over the soon-to-expire derogation from EU environmental nitrates limits. The derogation gives farmers permission to exceed standard limits of livestock manure nitrogen per hectare. It's applied in certain regions to accommodate unique farming systems, particularly Ireland's grass-based livestock production.
The Minister for Agriculture says intensive negotiations are ongoing between Irish officials and the EU Commission in order to retain the derogation. EU Environment Commission Jessika Roswell is due to visit Ireland this week. But speaking on the Joe Finnegan Show today, Minister Martin Heydon says a deal is not imminent:
