Changes for Nitrates Derogation Applicants Continuous declines in water quality and increases in Green House Gas (GHG) and ammonia emissions will make it more difficult to secure future derogations. In 2020, just shy of 6,500 derogation applications were submitted and eight new changes have since come into effect so farmers must be conscious they are compliant heading into the New Year. Below is a list of the guidelines farmers must adhere to: 1. Compulsory Liming Programme To date from January 2020, farmers must have implemented a full scale liming program based on soil sample results on all lands farmed with the exception of conacre farmed on a 1 year basis. Lime applications must be recorded on the annual fertiliser records with invoices retained for inspection. The quantity of lime spread since the date of soil samples will be taken into account.