NI agri environment area remains low

The area of land in NI that is part of agri-environment schemes remains significantly below levels seen over the past 10 years.

Last year, there were 46,000ha covered by the remaining NI Countryside Management Scheme (NICMS) agreements, and new agreements under Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) higher level covered a further 16,407ha.

A low point was seen in 2016, when only the 46,000ha under NICMS, equating to 4.4% of NI farmland, was part of a voluntary agri-environment scheme.

That compares with a peak in 2010, when around 470,000ha, equating to 45% of NI farmland, was under schemes such as NICMS, the Countryside Management Scheme and the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme. More agreements under EFS became live since 2018, with a second tranche beginning in January 2019 and a third one expected to start next year. However, this will likely be offset by the last remaining NICMS agreements expiring by the end of 2019.

Phosphorus management at NIIAS AGM

The nutrient management centre at AFBI Hillsborough is hosting members of the NI Institute of Agricultural Science (NIIAS) as part of the organisation’s AGM.

The event will include a presentation by Dr Chris Johnston on mitigation against phosphorus (P) in waterways, as well as a tour of the centre.

Facilities include a screw-press and centrifuge which is used to de-water slurry to export P off the farm, and a willow plantation for reducing surface run-off.

The event takes place on 17 June 2019, with registration starting from 1pm. A barbecue lunch will be served from 1.30pm and the event will conclude at 4pm.

To book your place, contact Francis Lively at chairman@niias.co.uk or call 079-36648495.