What are the changes to nitrates derogation you should know about? Continuous declines in water quality and increases in greenhouse has (GHG) and ammonia emissions will make it more difficult to secure derogation in the future, according to Teagasc. 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 2021. Compulsory Liming Programme From January 2020, farmers must have implemented a full-scale liming programme based on soil sample results on all lands farmed with the exception of conacre farmed on a one-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.