Manage Slurry spreading carefully
Jim Shannon MP for Strangford, has called for DARD to work along with farmers so that slurry spreading can be managed carefully and that the single farm payment can be protected.
Mr Shannon said: “Over the past few months farmers have experienced most difficult ground conditions. The level of rain-fall has been excessive and as the closed period is looming farmers need to manage the slurry spreading over the next few weeks in the lead up to the 15 October. Spreading of slurry will be difficult unless conditions improve.
“The forecast is still unsettled and NIEA have indicated that spreading in the closed period will effect the single farm payment, stepping outside the closed period will involve detailed records and I am calling on DARD to work along with N~IEA to enable farmers to carry out slurry spreading in an agreed fashion.
“The weather conditions in the last few months have created a crisis that if not managed correctly could reduce a single farm payment and in this economic crisis where farmers simply couldn’t manage without this payment so this cannot be allowed to happen. Cooperation must take place and it must begin now!”
