Online system for Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) derogation 2024 applications and submission of 2023 records now open

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs online system for submitting applications for a Nutrient Action Programme (NAP) derogation in 2024, and the submission of 2023 fertilisation accounts for derogated farms, is now open.

The NAP Derogation is available to a small number of Northern Ireland cattle farms with higher stocking rates. Subject to meeting specific additional nutrient management and environmental criteria, it enables farmers to better utilise the nutrients within grazing livestock manures and requires them to demonstrate more efficient nutrient use at higher stocking rates.

Having an approved derogation enables farmers to operate up to a manure Nitrogen Loading limit of 250 kg N/ha/year, compared to the general limit of 170 kg N/ha/year in the Nutrients Action Programme. This means they can maximise the use of manure nutrients on their farm and reduce the use of additional chemical fertilisers.

Farmers are encouraged to check their farm nitrogen loading figures via the Department’s online services and ensure they comply with the NAP Regulations. Farmers who intend to apply for a derogation, must prepare a fertilisation plan for their holding by 1st March and keep it updated during the year.

Farmers can submit their applications for 2024 and records for 2023 via DAERA Online Services. Applications and records must be submitted by 01 March 2024.

For non-derogated farms, records of 2023 organic manure exports must be submitted via DAERA Online Services by 31 January 2024.

Failure to submit Manure export / Derogation records on time could result in a penalty being applied to the Basic Payment.

Notes to editors: 

1. The submission deadline date for applications for 2024 NAP Derogations and submission of 2023 records is 23:59 on the 01 March 2024. Fertilisation plans for 2024 must also be prepared by the 01 March and be available on farm from this date.
2. For non-derogated farms, records of 2023 organic manure exports must be submitted via www.daera-ni.gov.uk/services/daera-online-services by 31 January 2024.
3. Farms operating under the NAP derogation must adopt specific nutrient management measures, land spreading restrictions and record-keeping requirements, in addition to complying with all other NAP measures.
4. The CAFRE N Loading Calculator, which is available at www.daera-ni.gov.uk/services/daera-online-services can be used to calculate a farm’s N Loading.
5. Derogation requirements include preparation of annual fertilisation plans and accounts, regular soil analysis, a farm phosphorus balance limit and conditions on the timing of slurry application and use of Low Emission Slurry Spreading Equipment (LESSE). The purpose of these additional measures is to ensure that operating at the higher livestock manure limit of the derogation does not adversely impact on water quality. The full Terms and Conditions for derogation can be found within the following link: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/daera/20.21.177%20Nutrients%20Action%20Programme%202019-2022%20Guidance%20Booklet%20Final.PDF.
6. The NAP Derogation Guidance 2019-2022, NAP Derogation Fertilisation Plan 2019-2022 and NAP Derogation Fertilisation Account 2019-2022 booklets are available at: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/nutrientsactionprogramme2019-2022.
7. Follow DAERA on X formerly called Twitter and Facebook.
8. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk or telephone: 028 9052 4619.
9. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours’ service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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