MP urging farmers to consider NAP proposals and respond to consultation

The MP added: “I strongly urge every farmer to take the time to read the proposals carefully and respond to DAERA’s online consultation.

“We are in the early stages of the 10-week consultation process. Every farm is different and it is up to individual farmers to examine all elements contained within the NAP proposals, and consider the impact they will have on the prism of their business. While the tone of the consultation has changed, there are issues which will require further exploration.

“Over the coming weeks I will be scrutinising the consultation document in greater detail, while continuing to engage with farmers and industry stakeholders from across Northern Ireland.

“NAP is a complex and far-reaching piece of legislation. We know that from last year’s blunt, unrealistic and unworkable proposals. As I said previously, the devil is in the detail!

“Last year’s shambolic NAP consultation caused huge concerns and generated a lot of mistrust within the farming fraternity. Naturally there will be an element of scepticism surrounding the new proposals.”

The new-look NAP aims to reduce NI’s overall phosphorus surplus by 30% over the next four years.

The DUP Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson added: “The vast majority of local farmers are already playing their part in reducing nutrient run-off and protecting waterways, with the aim of improving water quality. They have invested heavily in good environmental practices and are committed to producing food sustainably.

“However, agriculture is not solely responsible for pollution in our rivers, and farmers cannot be scapegoated and expected to shoulder the regulatory and financial burden alone.

“The farming community demands a fair and transparent process. NAP focuses on nutrient management from agriculture, so the consultation is one-sided from the outset,” she said.

“If Northern Ireland is serious about improving water quality, the Stormont Executive must urgently address pollution from other sources, including storm overflows and government bodies such as NI Water, which contributes significantly to the problem through inadequate wastewater infrastructure, and the release of 20m tonnes of raw sewage into our waterways annually.”

Carla Lockhart MP added: “We all have a collective responsibility to improve water quality. That responsibility extends to industry and households across Northern Ireland through issues such as septic tanks, and the everyday use of household chemicals such as bleach and dishwasher tablets.

“Government must now step up by investing in our ageing sewage infrastructure and resolving the ongoing planning stalemate, which continues to restrict both agricultural and wider economic development and betterment.

“The DAERA Minister must also secure adequate funding to help farmers and businesses to invest in the infrastructure and equipment needed to adapt and comply with any new requirements, including Low Emission Slurry Spreading Equipment (LESSE) and other environmental improvements.”

The MP added: “I am led to believe that many of the most damaging aspects of last year’s proposals have been either reworked or delayed. However, issues involving fines and fixed penalty notices for pollution have been re-directed to another pending policy.

“I have already been contacted by a number of farmers operating intensive enterprises who have raised concerns about the potential implications for their businesses, especially the revised dairy nutrient calculations linked to milk yield.”

Concluding, Carla Lockhart MP said: “It is vital that farmers make their voices heard. I would encourage everyone with an interest in the future of our agri-food industry to read the consultation carefully and submit a response to DAERA before the closing date – 7 th September 2026 at 11.59pm.

“The decisions taken through this process will have significant consequences for farm businesses, food production and our rural economy for many years to come.”