Serene countryside and idyllic rural landscape of green fields, rolling hills and grazing sheep in the Glens of Antrim, Northern Ireland
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has responded to the Office for Environmental Protection’s (OEP) report following the review of the 2019 Nutrient’s Action Programme (NAP).
The UFU welcomes the OEP’s recognition of the agri-sector’s efforts and investment since the NAP began in 2007, but questions the timing and value of the exercise, given DAERA is already conducting its own formal review through the Nutrients Action Programme Stakeholder Task and Finish Group.
UFU Deputy President John McLenaghan said, “Farmers are already actively engaged in the review of the Nutrients Action Programme, where stakeholders are working together to consider practical solutions for both agriculture and the environment. Publishing a second report in the middle of this risks creating unnecessary confusion and distraction.”
He continued, “It raises serious concerns about the value of repeating work that is already respectfully underway and questions if this is the best use of public resources and funding.”
The UFU also highlighted that the OEP’s remit is focused solely on environmental considerations, which risks overlooking the wider economic and social impacts of policy decisions.
“Agricultural policy cannot be developed by looking at environmental outcomes in isolation. Policy must also recognise the economic realities of local food production and the importance of rural communities. It is impossible to deliver balanced and workable policy if only one input is considered.”
The Union stressed that the work already undertaken by farmers must be continuously recognised, “Farmers have made significant investment and changes since the introduction of the NAP to deliver water quality improvement, and that progress has been acknowledged by the OEP. It is essential that all sectors of society play their part in addressing water quality.”
The Union has confirmed that the agri-food industry, including the UFU, did not engage with the OEP during preparation of the report due to the timing of the review. “As a result, the report cannot be viewed as reflecting the views or input of the farming industry.”
