ICMSA tell Commissioner Roswall that Derogation farmers “are the most inspected and supervised in the State”

Speaking following a meeting with the EU Environment Commissioner Roswall, ICMSA President, Denis Drennan, said that it was vital that the Commissioner saw ‘firsthand’ the lengths and efforts Irish farmers were already engaged upon in the context of water quality.   

“We clearly outlined to the Commissioner the sustainable system of milk production in Ireland that based on grazed grass and family farms – and we also stressed the importance of allowing dairy farmers a stocking rate that is sustainable from an environmental, social and economic perspective. It’s impossible to exaggerate how important it is that the over 7,000 farmers currently under the Derogation are allowed to continue farming with some degree of predictability and stability. These farmers are the economic and social ‘backbone’ of their communities, and any undermining of their viability would have very significant negative consequences for large areas of rural Ireland”, said Mr Drennan.

The ICMSA President said that the 170kg limit was arbitrary and had been set almost 35 years ago. He said it bears absolutely no relationship to modern sustainable farming practices and he urged the Commissioner to allow farmers to stock at higher levels which have been proven scientifically to be environmentally sustainable.

“Contrary to the impression given by certain NGOs, derogation farmers are absolutely not the source of all problems; they are the most closely inspected and supervised group of farmers and are often the most technically sustainable skilful farmers in the State.   These dairy farmers have invested the most in environmental improvements and have most at stake. ICMSA has long believed in the ‘right method in the right area at the right time’; we do not believe in a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach that just loads new regulations on everyone.   Like all sectors, agriculture does have challenges on water quality but the main point is that the problems are and can all be addressed and dealt with if we co-operate and collaborate.   We need to stop regulating and micro-managing family dairy farms out of existence.   This is what is happening and we need to change our approach, that’s the message ICMSA gave Commissioner Roswall”, he concluded.

Ends      7 November 2025

Denis Drennan, 086-8389401

President, ICMSA.

Or

Cathal MacCarthy, 087-6168758

ICMSA Press Office