Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has launched a series of training events for local farmers on the Nitrates Action Programme.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), through the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) is again holding a series of workshops across the north to help farmers understand the requirements of the Nitrates Directive similar to the successful round of Nitrates Information Meetings held last spring.

Launching the new workshops, the Minister said: "It is imperative that all farmers have a full grasp of the Nitrates Action Programme, its impact on their farms and a clear understanding of the records that should be kept. This will help them to minimise the regulatory burden.

"Following on from the success of the Nitrates Derogation Roadshows in January, my staff will be on hand at more than 20 venues across the north in the coming weeks to help farmers. I would encourage all farmers to attend one of these workshops if they have not already done so."

If you wish to attend a Nitrates Information Meeting please call Jonathan Doherty at 028 9442 6728 for details of the workshop nearest to you.