The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) says its members believe that over the draft ammonia strategy proposals, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is going through the motions of consultation without properly engaging with farmers.
UFU deputy president William Irvine said, “We believe DAERA and NIEA have failed to hold meaningful consultation events with farmers. They are instead only paying lip service to the process. Our members are unhappy with the limited notice that was given for recent consultation events on the draft ammonia strategy.”
The UFU was not told about these meetings and so were unaware until late in the day that they were taking place. “Members have also complained that text messages about these events were sent out at short notice, leaving them with little opportunity to attend,” added Mr Irvine.
The UFU says the draft ammonia strategy suggests some significant changes for farmers and that it is vital they are made fully aware of the consequences of the measures being planned.
“While the UFU will consult widely within our membership on this issue, it is vital DAERA and NIEA hear views directly from farmers at these meetings. We understand attendance has been poor and believe this is down to the lack of awareness of the events and a poor understanding of the significance of the changes. This must be addressed,” said Mr Irvine.
While UFU committees are currently reviewing the consultation document, members are already raising concerns about the practical and financial implications of many of the proposed measures, particularly for those farming close to designated sites.
“Farmers recognise the need to reduce ammonia emissions in Northern Ireland and the fact that this is a huge challenge. The publication of the draft ammonia strategy is a step in the right direction, but we have deep concerns about the practical and financial impact if these measures are imposed. Every farmer will be affected, but we are particularly concerned about smaller farms and those farming close to designated sites. While we are still finalising our response, we will certainly be making clear that many of the proposals are unacceptable as they stand,” said the UFU deputy president.
