Debate contribution: Nutrients Action Programme: Farmer Consultation

Debate contribution by Mrs Linda Dillon on 29 September 2025.

MLA: Mrs Linda Dillon
Party at the time: Sinn Féin
Date: 29 September 2025
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Nutrients Action Programme: Farmer Consultation
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5138956

Text

I thank the Minister for his answer. I agree that working collaboratively and constructively is exactly the way to go. Having spoken to some farmers, I think that they feel that they are now being listened to, so I appreciate that. Will you confirm whether there has been a formal meeting of the nutrients action programme stakeholder group? Given that DAERA's 2019 review showed that nitrate loss was less of an issue in the North due to our soil profile, and that phosphorus run-off is a primary threat to water quality, will you commit to a more flexible approach to the 80%-grassland rule for derogated farms in the upcoming nutrients action programme, allowing farmers to grow crops such as clover or protein mixes to help to reduce phosphorus loss, improve water quality and cut reliance on imported feed?

138 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Part of an exchange

This follow-up belongs to: Oral question AQO 2418/22-27.

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