EU
Nitrates Directive
Summary Description
Regulates agricultural activities by setting limits on the emissions of nitrates.
Species
Farmed animals
Jurisdiction
EU
Sub-Jurisdiction
N/A
Type of Act
Regulation
Status
In force
Legal Value
Binding
Date Enacted
1991
Date Updated
June, 2023
Official Citation
Council Directive 91/676/EEC of 12 December 1991 Concerning the Protection of Waters Against Pollution Caused by Nitrates from Agricultural Sources, 1991, O.J. (L 375) 1–8 (E.U.)
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Sets limits on nitrogen emissions on farms of 170kg per hectare.
- Requires Member States to implement action programmes to limit nitrogen emissions from the agricultural sector, including animal agriculture.
- The measures under the Member States actions programmes must ensure that, for each farm or livestock unit, the amount of livestock manure applied to the land each year, including by the animals themselves, shall not exceed the amount of 170kg of nitrogen per hectare.
Weaknesses
- Does not provide enforcement mechanisms powerful enough to ensure its proper implementation.
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