A CODE of practice for farmers aimed at preventing the nitrate pollution of surface and ground waters was launched yesterday.
Although surveys carried out have to date found low levels of such pollution, levels have been increasing and in a number of areas are showing trends which, if unchecked, could exceed limits set out in EU legislation.
The rate of increase has been greatest in the south east, where it is linked to intensive tillage production and excessive fertiliser inputs.
The code was launched in Wexford by the Minister for Agriculture, Mr Yates, and the Minister for the Environment, Mr Howlin.
Mr Howlin said that, apart from public health considerations, there were important economic implications for the farming community.
"Designation of vulnerable zones, should it become necessary in the event of excessive nitrate levels in surface or ground waters, would involve mandatory restrictions on farm practices and serious impacts on farm outputs and incomes".
The code is intended to protect the quality of river, stream, lake and coastal and marine waters, as well as ground waters. The main farm sources of nitrates are organic fertilisers such as animal slurries, dung stead and farmyard manures, silage effluent, mushroom compost, soiled water and chemical fertilisers.
Mr Yates said. "Recent studies have estimated that Irish farmers could reduce the cost of chemical fertiliser purchases by at least £25 million annually by using to best advantage the nutrients present in organic fertilisers."
The Irish Farmers' Association's deputy president, Mr Michael Slattery, said "Government rhetoric" on the environment rang hollow because it was not backed up with either pollution scheme funding or a tax break for farmers carrying out necessary improvements.
