A public consultation on potential policies to develop the biomethane sector in NI has been opened by Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir.
The consultation runs to 5pm on 15 December 2026 and sets out a number of preferred policies including encouraging a “hub and spoke model” of centralised facilities.
Those facilities would work alongside existing farm-based anaerobic digestion (AD) plants, with their biogas taken to a central point for upgrading into biomethane, before being injected into the existing gas grid.
The same principle would apply to recovery of nutrients from digestate, with product taken to a central point for processing.
That particular model is seen as a key way of reducing the phosphorus (P) load in NI farming, with digestate dried down into a high P product which is sold outside of NI agriculture.
“Implemented correctly, AD as part of a wider system is expected to deliver dual benefits to the region’s economic and environmental needs,” states the consultation document.
The NI Agri-Rural Health Forum will hold their autumn meeting at the Corrick House Hotel outside Clogher on Thursday 12 November, starting at 7.30pm.
The event, which looks at infections impacting both human and animal health, will have a particular focus on Q fever.
It is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii which can infect humans, cattle, sheep and goats.
Speakers include veterinary surgeon, Dr Mark Little and Dr Patrick McAleavey, a consultant in health protection. A hot supper will be available, so please register beforehand via the Ulster Farmers’ Union events page or call Paul on 07870947791.
A group of organic farmers in NI have pressed Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir to roll out more financial help for the sector.
In an open letter to the minister, the group highlights that organic farming support under the previous Environmental Farming Scheme is now expiring for scheme participants.
The letter also points out that any farmers who want to start organic production “are at a significant disadvantage” as no grant support is available for conversion.
“We would urge you to do everything you can to reinstate the kinds of support measures and payments for organic farming which were available under previous DAERA agri environment programmes and which are available to farmers and growers in neighbouring administrations,” the letter reads.
The group also asked for DAERA to “strengthen education and training” for organic producers and “develop local and new markets” for organic produce.
