Madam, - Mary Raftery (Opinion, April 28th) trots out a selection of misleading comment cloaked in tired rhetoric against "large rich" farmers, and indignation at the effrontery displayed by the IFA in seeking to defend the legitimate interests of its members.
Far from "leading to a variety of severe illnesses, including certain cancers", both nitrogen and phosphorus are basic biochemical building blocks of life on earth. The IFA has based its case on the nitrates directive on scientific research by Teagasc and the scope provided in the directive itself for member-states to implement action programmes which protect water quality and allow farmers to continue to farm.
Ms Raftery implies that nitrates play an important role in undermining drinking water quality in Ireland. This is not the case. Of almost 450 group water schemes supplying drinking water to rural communities, hardly half a dozen have a nitrates level that requires action.
The Environmental Protection Agency's 2003 report on drinking water quality in Ireland states that the quality of water supplied by group water schemes is very high, with three-quarters being fully compliant with the necessary standards. In less that 18 months' time it is likely that over 90 per cent of group water schemes will be compliant with quality standards.
As for the "largest and richest" farmers who supposedly "dominate" the IFA, it is not large farmers who will experience real difficulties in restrictions of 170 kg (375lb) organic N per hectare (per 2.5 acres). They have the land to deal with this restriction. It is the small farmers (and IFA members) of west Cork, supplying vibrant rural co-ops such as Ballyroe and Lisavaird, and elsewhere, who farm intensively on small holdings of 60 acres who will encounter the greatest difficulties.
Farmers are committed to playing their part in improving water quality. This is evident from the exceptional amount of money spent by them in protecting this vital resource and in the reduction in the use of fertilisers.
Phosphorus fertiliser usage peaked at over 90,000 tonnes annually in 1973. We now use about 40,000 tonnes. This work will continue, despite misleading and unhelpful comment. - Yours, etc,
TOM DUNNE,
Chairman,
IFA National
Environment Committee,
Kilworth,
Co Cork.