Minister Muir launches public consultation on stakeholder group’s NAP proposals
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has today launched a public consultation based on a stakeholder group’s proposals to reduce nutrient pollution from farming and improve water quality.
The proposals for the revised Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) for 2027-2030 were co-designed by the NAP Stakeholder Task and Finish Group which includes stakeholders drawn from a broad range of expertise, including farming, environmental organisations, agri-food industry and DAERA.
Following their public launch earlier today, a 10-week consultation has now begun on the proposals to improve water quality, so that further feedback can be obtained.
DAERA is also addressing other significant sources of pollution, such as wastewater and urban drainage, through separate programmes and legislation within its remit.
Welcoming the NAP Stakeholder Task and Finish Group’s proposals, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said: “The revised NAP is critical to securing our shared vision for a thriving, resilient and environmentally sustainable future for our agricultural sector.
“I want to put on record my appreciation for the many hours Karen Brosnan and the entire group invested to reach an agreed solution. Their efforts have been instrumental in delivering proposals that will deliver improved water quality, whilst working for the farms on the ground.
“I am pleased to now launch a public consultation on the Task and Finish Group’s NAP proposals and encourage everyone with an interest to read the proposals in full and take part in the public consultation.
“All measures have been carefully considered and are firmly embedded in science and evidence.
“Through this process, our agricultural sector has again shown its willingness to work with environmental organisations and rise to the challenges posed by poor water quality. I know that the majority of our farmers are already taking positive steps to manage nutrients more efficiently and to protect the environment.
“However, if we are to address the issues at Lough Neagh and elsewhere, we need to tackle all sources of nutrient pollution. I will not be found wanting in terms of regulation of wastewater, but we need collective endeavour across government to deliver good water quality.”
The NAP Task and Finish Group was supported by a number of subgroups with the aim of ensuring that the proposals were informed by scientific evidence, will meet legal obligations but were also workable at farm level.
The 3,400 responses received by DAERA in the Department’s 2025 public consultation on NAP were also considered by Task and Finish Group, with the feedback helping shape the new proposals.
The NAP Task and Finish group’s proposals and all consultation documents can be accessed at:
www.daera-ni.gov.uk/consultations/public-consultation-proposed-nutrients-action-programme-2027-2030
The deadline for submissions in the public consultation will be 23.59 hours on Monday 7th September 2026.
Following consideration of the consultation responses, the Minister intends to seek Executive approval for the revised NAP proposals and complete the necessary Committee and Assembly processes so that they can be implemented within this mandate.
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UFU calls for member engagement on new NAP consultation
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is encouraging farmers to engage with the consultation on the revised Nutrients Action Programme (NAP), which has now been published following 9 months of work by the Stakeholder Task and Finish Group (STGF).
The independently chaired process brought together representatives from farming, agri-food processing, environmental organisations and government to review and refine proposals aimed at improving water quality while supporting a sustainable and productive agri-food sector, with discussions informed by technical assessment, scientific evidence, practical experience and stakeholder expertise.
UFU President John McLenaghan said: “The publication of these proposals marks the completion of a significant piece of work involving a wide range of stakeholders from across the agri-food and environmental sectors.
“This follows the original proposals published in May 2025, which would have had severe consequences for many family farms across Northern Ireland if they had gone ahead in that form. The UFU challenged the proposals.”
Highlighting the significant changes secured through the stakeholder process, Mr McLenaghan said: “Over the past year, UFU representatives have been at the centre of every meeting, attending sub‑groups, and every negotiation.
“We have worked relentlessly to remove unworkable measures, secure practical alternatives, and protect the future of farming in Northern Ireland.
The Union noted that the work of the Stakeholder Task and Finish Group has been underpinned by a commitment to collaboration and a recognition that achieving environmental improvements and maintaining productive agriculture must go hand in hand.
“Everyone involved recognises the importance of improving water quality.
“Equally, there is a need to ensure that any measures introduced are practical, proportionate, and capable of supporting a sustainable farming industry. That balance for our members has been at the heart of our discussions throughout this process.”
Mr McLenaghan added: “The revised Nutrients Action Programme reflected the need to actively engage in the negotiating process, particularly in the face of ongoing legal challenges from external bodies, ensuring that the Stakeholder group tried to find more workable solutions rather than leaving outcomes to be dictated through the courts.
“Due to that work, the package now out for consultation is a significant improvement on last years.
“It is not perfect, no regulatory package ever is, but it is a world away from where we started.
“The most damaging proposals have been removed or rewritten, and the focus is now on workable, targeted and phased measures that keep farmers farming while delivering environmental improvements.”
The UFU is encouraging members to familiarise themselves with the proposals and submit their views before the consultation closes.
“Over the coming weeks, the UFU will be engaging intensively with members across all sectors. We will provide guidance, host meetings, and help you understand the proposals.”
Further information on the consultation and the proposed measures is available at:
