In order to apply for derogation farmers must have a fertiliser plan by March 1st and send a copy with the application unless an approved REPS 4 plan is in place. Farmers must also apply for derogation before March 31st and have their soil tested once every four years.

Reps 4 participants will also receive a statement despite their livestock manure application due to a requirement in REPS 4 that the nitrogen and phosphorus details are recorded in their REPS record sheets. Other farmers can obtain copies of their Statement from the local District Veterinary Office, from the Department's Nitrates Section, Johnstown Castle, Wexford, or on-line at www.agriculture.gov.ie

"The Department is in the process of issuing Nitrogen and Phosphorus Statements for 2009 to the more intensive farmers, which will assist with their decision regarding whether they need a derogation in 2010. Intensive grassland farmers are allowed to exceed the general limit of 170 kg of nitrogen per hectare per year on their farm, up to a limit of 250 kg, provided that they have a derogation in place," Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith.

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