IFA Dairy Chair warns end of nitrates derogation would hit farmers and rural areas

The IFA's Dairy Chair Martin McElearney has outlined the importance of the nitrates derogation.

Ireland's Nitrates Derogation will come to an end at the end of the year.

According to the Drumhowan man, a loss of the derogation would result in a 25 to 30% reduction in milk.

He said that this would stop generational renewal for farmers, as there would be no viable future for young farmers.

Speaking to Northern Sound, he said this would "decimate" rural areas.