Minister Muir responds to concerns raised over NI Nutrients Action Programme
Opposition mounted in recent months against the draft NAP proposals announced this year by Minister Andrew Muir.
In May, Minister Muir launched a public consultation on the NAP for 2026-2029, which he said contains 'additional measures which have been developed based on scientific research'.
The main additional measures include further restrictions on use of chemical phosphorus fertiliser and a farm phosphorus balance limit for more intensive farms.
In late May, representatives from across the farming and food industry in NI, including the Ulster Farmers' Union, wrote to Minister Muir, to highlight concerns about proposed changes.
In the letter, industry said:
"We are particularly concerned about how the science is being used, the complete lack of economic impact analysis and inconsistencies between certain measures within this consultation document and other policies which makes it difficult for stakeholders to comment on these proposals."
The letter warned that the impact of proposals could be "far-reaching for the rural economy and indeed all of NI and it is therefore untenable that a proper impact assessment has not been carried out".
Minister Muir has now responded to the open letter from the agri-food industry.
His response letter, dated August 4, says: "The NAP was introduced 18 years ago to fulfil our legal requirement to reduce water pollution from agricultural sources.
"I wish to again recognise the hard work farmers and others have undertaken to date to address water quality.
"Your statement reiterating that the agri-food sector is fully committed to improving water quality and the sustainability of the environment within which it operates is greatly appreciated."
Minister Muir in his letter said that the legally-required NAP review is an "important opportunity to shape the actions we can take together" over the next four years.
The current consultation on the NAP 2026-2029 closed on July 24.
"I welcome all the responses received, which will be collated and considered in the coming weeks," the minister said.
"My department is currently finalising the next steps and the processes for the development of the NAP 2026-2029, and stakeholders will receive information about this in the coming weeks.
"In particular, given the level of interest from a range of stakeholders in the NAP, and some of the issues raised to date, I have decided to provide an additional level of engagement within this process and further consultation."
In the short-term, once the consultation responses have been analysed, they will be considered by a stakeholder task and finish group with an external facilitator, the minister confirmed.
This group will include representatives from farming, agri-food, environmental groups and the department.
"It will also be able to consider and bring forward alternative solutions for consideration by working collaboratively," Minister Muir explained.
"The group will take into account the proposals consulted upon, the consultation responses to date, and any other potential solutions raised within the group."
The group will be asked to propose measures and actions that will meet legislative requirements, are evidence-based and workable at farm level within realistic timeframes, according to the minister.
"During this process, consideration will be given to the economic impact of the proposals including the revised proposals and a draft economic impact assessment will be prepared," he said.
"The group will provide an additional level of engagement in the policy development process.
"When its work is completed, the department will then undertake a further, statutory compliant, eight-week consultation.
"This will give wider stakeholders and the public an opportunity to provide views on any updated proposals.
"I will take these into account in making my final decision on the updated NAP, which will be referred to the executive committee for consideration."
Minister Muir said he acknowledges that some of the proposed measures in the NAP consultation will require investment, and officials within his department will consider how that funding need can be met.
He said he is due to meet the Finance Minister to discuss the support that can be provided.
The minister also said that in relation to sewage pollution, "I wish to repeat my clear view that agriculture is not the only contributor to what has been happening at Lough Neagh and many other waterbodies across NI".
"I have been consistently on the record that the separate regulatory regime with NI Water on wastewater known as SORPI needs to change and I will be bringing proposals to my executive colleagues on the matter over the time ahead," Minister Muir added.
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