Minster for Environment Phil Hogan has today confirmed to deputy John O’Mahony a number of measures to assist farmers in light of the very difficult weather conditions last Summer.

In brief, the measures announced by the Minister means that the closed period for the application of slurry will end earlier in 2013.

Farmers will be allowed to spread excessive manures, subject to certain conditions, up to 16 November 2012.

In addition, the Minister also announced an easing of the obligation to establish a ‘green cover’ in certain exceptional circumstances.

Farmers availing of these changes must notify the appropriate authorities, through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, in advance of their intention to avail of this arrangement. Details of the notification process will be available on the Department of Agriculture website early next week.