Sugden calls for common-sense approach to slurry rules
Independent MLA Claire Sugden has called for greater flexibility and fairness in how slurry spreading regulations are applied, warning that rigid calendar-based rules are failing both farmers and the environment.
Ms Sugden has submitted a series of Assembly Questions to the Agriculture Minister asking how his Department will ensure that slurry spreading rules remain appropriate in light of changing weather patterns, and whether they are actually effective in improving water quality.
“Farmers are being asked to follow regulations that do not always reflect reality on the ground. After months of heavy rain, fields across Northern Ireland are saturated. For many farmers, it simply has not been possible to spread slurry safely before the closed period begins. Yet if they miss the deadline, they face penalties, even if conditions improve just days later.”
The East Londonderry MLA said this year’s weather has shown the need for a more flexible, evidence-based approach that protects the environment while recognising how unpredictable local conditions can be.
“Everyone agrees slurry should only be spread when the ground is dry enough to absorb it. That is best for farmers and for water quality. However, a fixed calendar date does not guarantee that. Sometimes the rules force farmers to spread when it is too wet, or stop them when it is finally dry. That is not common sense, and it is not good environmental policy.”
Ms Sugden also questioned why the same scrutiny is not applied to other sources of pollution, including sewage discharges from NI Water infrastructure.
“I have asked the Minister how his Department ensures fairness in enforcement between agriculture and other sectors, and what discussions he has had with the Department for Infrastructure to reduce wastewater pollution. If we want to protect our rivers and coastlines, every source of pollution, public or private, must be held to the same standard.”
“Farmers are doing their best to comply, often in impossible conditions,” she added. “They are stewards of the land, and they want to protect it. Policy needs to work with them, not against them.”