County Fermanagh countryside. Picture: Cliff Donaldson
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has issued a stark warning regarding the upcoming end of the slurry closed period on 31 January, highlighting that exceptional weather conditions and a broken planning system are creating a perfect storm for Northern Ireland’s farmers.
Following a period of unprecedented rainfall, ground conditions across the province remain extremely challenging. Data has recently recorded over a staggering 100mm of rain in a single day, a figure that surpasses the entire monthly average for January in some areas. These saturated conditions are putting immense pressure on farmers as they prepare for slurry spreading season.
The UFU is calling for a more holistic approach from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and Shared Environmental Service (SES), accusing them of blocking vital infrastructure improvements that would help mitigate these environmental challenges.
UFU deputy president, John McLenaghan, said, “Farmers across the country are facing a significant uphill battle. The sheer volume of rainfall we have witnessed has left the land saturated and many farmers struggling. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it is a looming threat to farm management as we approach the 1st of February. “Many of our members are eager to invest in their own farm infrastructure, specifically in increasing slurry storage. This would provide the necessary buffer to help manage these exceptional years. However, they are being met with a brick wall.
“The current approach taken by SES and NIEA toward ammonia assessments for planning applications on existing farms is nothing short of draconian. By refusing to take a holistic view of farm improvements, they are blocking projects that would actually lead to overall environmental betterment. We are seeing a system that prioritises rigid, narrow assessments over practical solutions that protect both the environment and the viability of the family farm.”
The UFU is raising these concerns directly with the DAERA Minister.
Mr McLenaghan added, “We need a system that supports farmers in becoming more resilient, not one that penalises them for trying to improve. The government must recognise that modernising existing farms is a key part of the solution to our environmental challenges. We cannot continue with a planning process that stifles progress while the rain continues to fall.”
The Union continues to monitor ground conditions closely and urges members to exercise extreme caution when the spreading season commences.
