New minister claims muck spreading ban fails to protect rivers

The newly appointed Minister for Agriculture addresses parliament, expressing concerns over the ineffectiveness of muck spreading regulations in protecting river water quality.

The regulations, which were implemented in response to growing environmental concerns, restrict the timing and application of manure on agricultural fields. However, reports indicate that non-compliance and poor enforcement have undermined their intended benefits. Between 2020 and 2023, several studies revealed elevated levels of pollutants in rivers, suggesting that current measures may not be sufficient … Read more

Understanding the TR-49 Review Process

A group of stakeholders, including industry experts and environmental advocates, gather around a conference table during a meeting to discuss the implications of the TR49 review process.

Key players in this review include the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and the European Commission, both of which have been actively involved in evaluating the potential impacts of TR-49 on public health and the environment. Recent meetings held in September 2023 have highlighted differing perspectives on the necessity and feasibility of the proposed amendments, with … Read more