County Fermanagh countryside. Picture: Cliff Donaldson
The Ulster Farmers’ Union has hit out at new proposals in the Nutrient Action Programme (NAP), warning they could devastate local farming. According to DAERA, around 3,500 farms will now be forced to meet strict new phosphorus limits. For many, this could mean finding more land for slurry spreading or cutting livestock numbers. This is a backdoor attempt to shrink herds and flocks which the UFU says is completely unacceptable.
UFU deputy president John McLenaghan said, “We’re being blamed based on percentage phosphorus figures that aren’t even properly measured – they’re modelled by computers. These models are only as good as the data they’re given, and this data, the accuracy of which is a concern, is now being used to hammer our farmers.
The proposed phosphorus limits are just one element of DAERA’s sweeping changes under the NAP consultation. We’re urgently assessing the full economic impact with our committees, but the outlook is grim.
“At a previous review in 2005, the EU had suggested individual farm phosphorus balances, but after meaningful discussions accepted that it was not necessary. Over the following 20 years Northern Ireland farmers have significantly reduced phosphorus balances and at the same time, increased agricultural production. These new proposals from DAERA could have devastating consequences for family farms and the wider agri food economy.”
There are around 30 new measures proposed with key concerns raised already around the following:
- Strict phosphorus limits for 3,500 farms – farmers will need more land for slurry spreading or will be forced to cut livestock numbers.
- Mandatory Low Emission Slurry Spreading Equipment (LESSE) by 2030 – a major blow for small beef and sheep farms that simply can’t afford this.
- Compulsory uncultivated buffer strips for arable and horticulture farms – more red tape and less productive land.
At a recent DAERA stakeholder meeting, the UFU voiced its strong opposition to the proposals, warning that they threaten the future of local food production while placing the entire burden of environmental action on agriculture.
“Lough Neagh is often referenced as justification for more legislation but agriculture is just one contributor to its nutrients issue. Other sectors are part of the problem too, yet, farming is the only sector that has been landed with this type of draconian legislation. The Minister keeps talking about action across all sectors, but the only thing we see here is the agricultural sector being hammered by proposals that will threaten the viability of our sector while others are simply handed more funding,” said Mr McLenaghan.
The UFU has also criticised the lack of genuine consultation, saying key stakeholders were blindsided by the scope and timing of the proposals.
“Unlike previous NAP consultations, there’s been a lack of engagement with the industry prior to the consultation being released. Many of the measures and timelines that have been proposed, have come as a surprise to the UFU and our members. Had there been genuine engagement, a more balanced approach that is workable for farmers could have been adopted.
“Minister Muir says he wants to walk alongside farmers, but DAERA’s actions and these proposals tell a very different story. This feels less like partnership and more like punishment. Northern Ireland’s farmers are not villains. They are the stewards of our land, committed to protecting the environment while feeding the nation. What we need is a fair and workable plan that keeps agriculture viable and protects water quality,” said Mr McLenaghan.
