AgriSearch Chair Professor Gerry Boyle said, “Many of the proposed measures lack robust scientific evidence. In particular, the proposed reductions on N fertiliser limits are not supported by credible data and could reduce grass yields, increase reliance on imported feed, and paradoxically worsen P surpluses.
Our consultation response also includes our recently published Economic Impact Assessment which we produced in partnership with a number of agri-food sector bodies and raises critical questions about the viability of the proposed changes as it unveils the financial consequences of implementation.
AgriSearch is committed to working in a positive and proactive manner with all partners across industry, academia and government to help improve the environmental footprint of Northern Ireland’s ruminant livestock sector. We very much hope that DAERA will engage with AgriSearch and other stakeholders to help formulate solutions which deliver for food security, our rural economy and for the environment.”
A copy of AgriSearch’s full response can be viewed here: .https://agrisearch.org/pdfjs/web/viewer.html?file=%2Fdownload%2Ffiles%2FAgriSearch%5FNAP%5FConsultation%5FResponse%5FFINAL%2Epdf