UFU President John McLenaghan joined fellow members of the Stakeholder Task and Finish Group at the launch of the public consultation on the revised Nutrients Action Programme.
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is encouraging farmers to engage with the consultation on the revised Nutrients Action Programme (NAP), which has now been published following 9 months of work by the Stakeholder Task and Finish Group (STGF).
The independently chaired process brought together representatives from farming, agri-food processing, environmental organisations and government to review and refine proposals aimed at improving water quality while supporting a sustainable and productive agri-food sector, with discussions informed by technical assessment, scientific evidence, practical experience and stakeholder expertise.
UFU President John McLenaghan said, “The publication of these proposals marks the completion of a significant piece of work involving a wide range of stakeholders from across the agri-food and environmental sectors. This follows the original proposals published in May 2025, which would have had severe consequences for many family farms across Northern Ireland if they had gone ahead in that form. The UFU challenged the proposals.”
Highlighting the significant changes secured through the stakeholder process, Mr McLenaghan said, “Over the past year, UFU representatives have been at the centre of every meeting, attending sub‑groups, and every negotiation. We have worked relentlessly to remove unworkable measures, secure practical alternatives, and protect the future of farming in Northern Ireland.
The Union noted that the work of the Stakeholder Task and Finish Group has been underpinned by a commitment to collaboration and a recognition that achieving environmental improvements and maintaining productive agriculture must go hand in hand.
“Everyone involved recognises the importance of improving water quality. Equally, there is a need to ensure that any measures introduced are practical, proportionate, and capable of supporting a sustainable farming industry. That balance for our members has been at the heart of our discussions throughout this process.”
Mr McLenaghan added, “The revised Nutrients Action Programme reflected the need to actively engage in the negotiating process, particularly in the face of ongoing legal challenges from external bodies, ensuring that the Stakeholder group tried to find more workable solutions rather than leaving outcomes to be dictated through the courts.
“Due to that work, the package now out for consultation is a significant improvement on last years. It is not perfect, no regulatory package ever is, but it is a world away from where we started. The most damaging proposals have been removed or rewritten, and the focus is now on workable, targeted and phased measures that keep farmers farming while delivering environmental improvements.”
The UFU is encouraging members to familiarise themselves with the proposals and submit their views before the consultation closes.
“Over the coming weeks, the UFU will be engaging intensively with members across all sectors. We will provide guidance, host meetings, and help you understand the proposals.”
Further information on the consultation and the proposed measures is available at www.napfactsni.org
