Those involved in a group tasked with bringing forward proposals to be included in a new Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) haven’t given much away around their discussions, other than there has been positive engagement and the process is edging towards a conclusion.

The group, made up of members from across farming, food, environment and government, was appointed by Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir and met for the first time last October.

The process followed on from the disastrous roll-out of a NAP consultation last May, which included various new measures including proposals to require more intensive farms to operate within a phosphorus balance – that issue alone had the potential to severely impact the conacre market in NI and leave many farms unviable.

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Terms

The terms of reference agreed by the group last October include an aim to have a final report with Minister Muir by “early 2026”. While that timeframe has not being met, it is important that the whole process is not rushed.

However, it also can’t drag on for too long and in the meantime, we cannot ignore a legal action started against DAERA in the High Court for not doing enough to prevent blue-green algae in Lough Neagh. It remains to be seen whether the action can proceed to a full judicial review, but potentially a judge might be more inclined to decide there is a case to answer if a way ahead on NAP cannot soon be found.

Consensus

The terms of reference also set out what happens next. The final report to Minister Muir will highlight any proposals where there is not a consensus among the group, effectively leaving him with decisions to make. He is also able to put forward new proposals at this stage, which will be clearly identified in a subsequent public consultation.

In theory, Minister Muir could ignore much of the output from the group. However, in reality, he will want members to reach a widespread consensus and get the NAP issue off his desk as quickly as possible.