Serene countryside and idyllic rural landscape of green fields, rolling hills and grazing sheep in the Glens of Antrim, Northern Ireland
Commodity Watch written by Kellie McEvoy
The Ulster Farmers’ Union environment committee continues to have a packed agenda and is actively engaged on several fronts representing the views of Northern Ireland farmers on environmental issues.
The current chairman of the committee is Ian Buchanan from Dungiven and vice-chairman Andrew Wright from Omagh. The committee continues to work closely with DAERA, industry and political representatives to ensure that practical farming concerns are reflected in environmental policy discussions.
Some of the key issues currently being discussed include:
Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) Review
NAP remains one of the most significant issues facing the industry. The UFU continues to engage through DAERA’s technical working group and has met with all main political parties, as well as the DAERA Minister, to highlight the importance of ensuring that the future NAP is practical, evidence-based and farmer-friendly. The committee recently discussed concerns surrounding proposals arising from advice provided by the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP). UFU Members emphasised the importance of securing a workable outcome that protects both water quality and farm viability.
Ammonia Strategy and Planning
Planning issues linked to ammonia emissions continue to create major challenges for farmers seeking to invest in or replace livestock buildings. The committee is working closely with legal and technical advisers to identify practical solutions. The UFU continues to press DAERA and NIEA for progress and has highlighted the need for timely responses to industry proposals. Farmers considering developments involving livestock housing, poultry units or slurry storage should continue to seek planning advice at an early stage before any work commences.
Climate Change and Carbon Footprinting
The UFU continues to raise concerns about the long-term implications of the Climate Change Act targets and the potential impact on livestock production. Members recently discussed the need for a review of aspects of both the Climate Change Act and Habitats Directive while ensuring any future policy remains balanced and evidence-based. The committee has also discussed the Carbon Footprinting scheme Farm Sustainability Programme conditionality. The UFU’s position is that
Farming with Nature Scheme
The committee continues to monitor the development of the Farming with Nature programme and engage regularly with DAERA on scheme design and delivery. Members recently received updates on the forthcoming Farming with Nature Landscape Scheme, which opened for applications on 9th November 2026 and closes on 4th December 2026. It will support farmers and land managers across all land types to deliver meaningful environmental improvements through landscape scale projects that will enhance biodiversity recovery and habitat connectivity. The committee has also raised concerns regarding payment rates, mapping issues, scheme accessibility for certain sectors, and the need for greater flexibility around short-term land agreements. Positive uptake levels across existing Farming with Nature Transition scheme demonstrate strong farmer interest in participating where schemes are practical and properly funded. Farmers are reminded that work for the FwN Transition scheme year 2 needs completed before 28th February 2027.
Soil Nutrient Health Scheme
The committee continues to monitor delivery of the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme and members recently discussed concerns regarding the future of soil sampling beyond the current scheme and the need to avoid disruption to the four-year nutrient sampling cycle. The UFU continues to seek clarity on future arrangements and encourages farmers to provide feedback on their experiences to help inform ongoing review of the scheme.
Environmental issues now dominate much of the agricultural policy agenda, and it is vital that the voice of local farmers is heard. The UFU Environment Committee continues to place significant emphasis on highlighting the positive work already being undertaken by farmers to improve water quality, enhance biodiversity, reduce emissions and deliver climate solutions. At the same time, the committee will continue to lobby DAERA, NIEA, MLAs and other stakeholders to ensure a balanced approach that recognises the importance of both environmental improvement and sustainable food production.
