NI farmers criticise new nutrient restrictions on land

Livestock farmers in Northern Ireland are facing a series of new regulations aimed at curbing slurry spreading and restricting the use of fertiliser products, which could lead to some businesses having to cut back livestock numbers.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) has released details about new measures it plans to introduce from 1 January 2026, as part of its Nutrient Action Programme (NAP).

Roughly 30 measures are due to be introduced, including phosphorus limits on 3,500 farms, restricting how much slurry can be applied on land.

See also: NI farm policy shift creates challenges for livestock sector

Mandatory use of low-emission slurry spreading equipment is due to be implemented by 2030, which the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) says will come as a major blow for small beef and sheep farms that will be unable to afford this.

Compulsory uncultivated buffer strips for arable and horticulture farms are also due to form part of the new measures.

UFU deputy president John McLenaghan lambasted Daera’s proposals and said they could have devastating consequences for family farms and the wider agri-food economy.

“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.”

Mr McLenaghan added: “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.”

Consultation phase

An eight-week public consultation on Daera’s NAP will remain open until 26 June to give industry an opportunity to feed into the proposals.

Daera minister Andrew Muir said it was widely recognised that the intensification of agricultural production has had negative impacts on the environment, with research showing about 62% of the high nutrient (phosphorus) levels in water bodies had come from agricultural sources.

He added: “I am firmly committed to working with farmers and the entire agriculture sector to get to a more sustainable position with nutrients and water quality.

“We want to hear as many views as possible on the proposed updated NAP for 2026-29.

“I welcome constructive input from stakeholders as part of this process, including any evidence which supports alternative approaches and solutions.”