The NAP is designed to enhance water quality by preventing pollution from nitrates originating from farming activities.
The South Antrim MLA said: “The Programme being consulted upon by the Department is crucial for addressing pressing issues surrounding agricultural practices, environmental protection and water quality, particularly at Lough Neagh. It also represents another milestone in the delivery of the Lough Neagh Report and Action Plan.
“As we face significant challenges related to water quality and ecosystem health, it is essential that we strike an appropriate balance between agriculture and environmental responsibilities. The revised NAP presents a significant opportunity to address these concerns in a manner that supports farmers to make changes while ensuring the protection of our precious natural resources.
“The proposals outlined in the Programme are based firmly on science and evidence, detailing practices to effectively minimise phosphorus input to our waterways. We know from the figures provided by the Department that there are 6,000 tonnes of surplus phosphorus from animal manures per year, and 43% of fields in Northern Ireland have been found to be above the agronomic optimum phosphorus status.
“If we are serious about tackling the Lough Neagh crisis, we must take action now to drive down the root causes and ensure regulations aimed at improving water quality are adhered to. While the Alliance Minister is clearly prepared to work with others to make the necessary changes in agriculture to restore the quality of our waterways, his Executive colleagues must now do likewise. This includes the need for urgent action from the Infrastructure Minister to address significant deficiencies in our wastewater infrastructure, which is also a major contributor to poor water quality.
“The path to sustainability requires collaboration, fairness, and a commitment to supporting farmers in making necessary changes to their farming practices. Every farmer has a role to play in delivering these solutions, and we must ensure that the rules protecting our environment are enforced. This will ensure that those many farmers who follow the regulations are not unfairly disadvantaged.
“All those interested in these matters should engage in this consultation process so that we can build a truly sustainable agriculture sector that strikes a much better balance between agriculture and the environment.”
The South Antrim MLA said: “The Programme being consulted upon by the Department is crucial for addressing pressing issues surrounding agricultural practices, environmental protection and water quality, particularly at Lough Neagh. It also represents another milestone in the delivery of the Lough Neagh Report and Action Plan.
“As we face significant challenges related to water quality and ecosystem health, it is essential that we strike an appropriate balance between agriculture and environmental responsibilities. The revised NAP presents a significant opportunity to address these concerns in a manner that supports farmers to make changes while ensuring the protection of our precious natural resources.
“The proposals outlined in the Programme are based firmly on science and evidence, detailing practices to effectively minimise phosphorus input to our waterways. We know from the figures provided by the Department that there are 6,000 tonnes of surplus phosphorus from animal manures per year, and 43% of fields in Northern Ireland have been found to be above the agronomic optimum phosphorus status.
“If we are serious about tackling the Lough Neagh crisis, we must take action now to drive down the root causes and ensure regulations aimed at improving water quality are adhered to. While the Alliance Minister is clearly prepared to work with others to make the necessary changes in agriculture to restore the quality of our waterways, his Executive colleagues must now do likewise. This includes the need for urgent action from the Infrastructure Minister to address significant deficiencies in our wastewater infrastructure, which is also a major contributor to poor water quality.
“The path to sustainability requires collaboration, fairness, and a commitment to supporting farmers in making necessary changes to their farming practices. Every farmer has a role to play in delivering these solutions, and we must ensure that the rules protecting our environment are enforced. This will ensure that those many farmers who follow the regulations are not unfairly disadvantaged.
“All those interested in these matters should engage in this consultation process so that we can build a truly sustainable agriculture sector that strikes a much better balance between agriculture and the environment.”