AgriSearch has submitted a detailed response to DAERA’s consultation on the next Nutrients Action Programme (NAP), focusing on the evidence, practical implementation and support farmers will need if the proposals proceed.
The farmer-funded research organisation says the revised proposals address some of the practical concerns raised during the 2025 consultation, but important questions remain around implementation, transition, economic impact and the availability of realistic options for affected farms.
AgriSearch Chair Norman McMordie said the stakeholder process used to develop the revised proposals had been valuable, but that engagement must continue.
“The revised proposals have benefited from farmers, industry, scientists and government working through some very difficult issues together.
“That does not mean all of the concerns have been resolved. The same partnership approach will be needed through implementation and review so that practical problems can be identified early and addressed.”
A major theme of the AgriSearch response is the need for a managed transition. AgriSearch believes farmers should have enough time to establish their starting position, understand how the different requirements affect their business and consider their options before making significant management or investment decisions.
AgriSearch has also highlighted the scale of the advisory challenge. Many affected farms are likely to need individual support rather than generic guidance.
Chief Executive Sean Kane said:
“For many farmers, the implications of these proposals will need to be carefully considered using their own farm figures. That means understanding their nitrogen position, phosphorus balance and the practical options available to them.
“A successful transition will depend on farmers having clear information, straightforward nutrient-management tools and access to suitably qualified advisers who can help them make informed decisions.”
The response also says the full Economic Impact Assessment should be published as soon as possible and that implementation must take account of constraints outside NAP itself, including planning, ammonia policy and the availability of workable manure-processing and nutrient-redistribution options.
Research and innovation are another major focus. AgriSearch says regulation alone will not provide farmers with the solutions required to improve nutrient efficiency.
Senior Industry Advisor Jason Rankin said:
“We need to concentrate not only on the limits being placed on nutrients, but on giving farmers practical ways of using nutrients more efficiently.
“That means research into nutrition, soils, grassland management, slurry and manure processing and emerging technologies, and then testing the most promising approaches on commercial farms so we know what actually works in Northern Ireland.”
AgriSearch is also recommending the continuation and renewal of the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme. Farmers will need more accessible, farmer-friendly nutrient-management planning tools that are easy to use in day-to-day decision-making, while the proposed Nutrient Efficiency Roadmap should help connect research and commercial-farm demonstration with advice and knowledge exchange.
Norman McMordie added that AgriSearch is already considering how it can best support levy-paying farmers during implementation.
“Our role does not end with submitting a consultation response. We will be looking carefully at where independent evidence, research, demonstration and practical decision support can help our levy payers adapt to whatever final arrangements emerge.”
The full AgriSearch response to the consultation is available to view here: https://agrisearch.org/pdfjs/web/viewer.html?file=/download/files/AgriSearch_NAP_2027-2030_Consultation_Response_September_2026.pdf