Proposals for a Nutrient Motion Programme (NAP) have the potential to destroy the way forward for pig farming in Northern Eire, witg slaughter numbers plummeting to 1 / 4 of present ranges in 2026, the Ulster Farmers’ Union has warned.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir launched a public session in Might on the NAP for 2026 to 2029. The NAP, first launched in 2007, goals to enhance water high quality by lowering and stopping air pollution brought on by vitamins from agricultural sources.
Final week, UFU and the NI Grain Commerce Affiliation (NIGTA) collectively hosted a pig sector assembly specializing in the proposals, attended by farmers, processors and wider trade representatives. They hear evaluation from Dr Violet Wylie’s on the impression the NAP proposals would have on pork manufacturing. Key findings included:
- In a greatest case situation pig producers will want 12% additional land for slurry spreading.
- Introduction of on farm phosphorus steadiness will considerably impression the land space required for slurry spreading.
- Underneath the proposed laws, relying on land use, a 300 sow bacon unit would require an extra 1,490 acres, growing from 360 acres which is at present required to 1,850 acres.
- A farm with 600 ending locations would want to extend land for slurry spreading from 84 acres to 272 acres.
- The one different different to satisfy the proposals can be to scale back pig numbers by as a lot as 80%.
- To mandate LESSE, have a climate warning system and the addition of non permanent closed durations, in addition to introducing further measures by way of a targeted strategy, might limit farming actions.
- All the above coupled with competing in opposition to different farming sectors dealing with the identical challenges, will devastate the pig trade.
UFU deputy president Glenn Cuddy stated, “It’s this straightforward, if the NAP proposals come into impact, the pig sector in NI can be unsustainable. Slaughter of pigs would drop from 1,496,896 in 2024, to 374,224 submit 2026.
“There are solely two pig processors in NI. The impression would shut one processor and depart the opposite at 50% capability. There can be no future for the pork trade regionally and that might have a major impression on rural jobs, communities and the financial system.
“These NAP proposals are an insult to all the nice work already carried out by our pig producers, who’re extraordinarily ahead pondering and keen to adapt and alter to learn water high quality and the atmosphere.”
He stated the native pig trade has already achieved higher feed effectivity by way of dietary enchancment, with phosphorus in all pig ration diminished by 1% because the early 2000’s, which means phosphorus excretion ranges from a 1,000 sow unit has fallen by 6.5 tonnes each year.
“The pig sector has tailored to adjustments earlier than and is dedicated to doing its bit to enhance water high quality which was made very clear on the assembly,” he stated.
“It was recognised that taking phosphorus out of slurry is a part of the answer, however time is required to realize this and to make sure it really works for farmers. This is the reason the appropriate coverage is so vital, it must work with farmers not in opposition to them, while supporting the sector’s sustainability. Collaboration, innovation and know-how growth and implementation is crucial.”
