Minister Canney encourages farmers to act as 2026 Nitrates Derogation applications open
Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, is encouraging farmers to take action as the 2026 Nitrates Derogation application system opens.
Applications can now be made online through myagfood.ie, with the closing date set for Friday, 15 May 2026.
Minister Canney said: “I know how busy this time of year is on farms, but it’s important that farmers take a few minutes now to submit their application.
“The Nitrates Derogation is a key support for many farms, allowing them to operate at a higher stocking rate, while also ensuring the right protections are in place for our water quality.
“I would strongly encourage farmers to speak with their agricultural advisor and make sure everything is in order well ahead of the deadline.”
The Nitrates Derogation allows approximately 7,000 farmers to farm at a higher stocking rate, subject to additional terms and conditions designed to protect watercourses.
Key details:
- Applications are now open at myagfood.ie
- Closing date is Friday, 15 May 2026
- Further information is available at gov.ie/nitrates
In addition, the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation website is now open to facilitate dairy farmers to confirm their 2026 Dairy Band.
Farmers can also opt in to receive recognition for managing crude protein in concentrates fed to cows in 2025.
The deadline for Dairy Band confirmation is 15 May 2026, with farmers who do not confirm by this date defaulted to the highest excretion rate band of 106kg N per dairy cow.