The Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) has backed new research from AgriSearch which revealed the Northern Ireland agri-food sector would face a £1.56 billion loss per year under DAERA’s proposed Nutrient Action Programme (NAP).
The new independent research supported by a broad cross section of over 200 farms in Northern Ireland, identified the staggering economic, social and environmental consequences that the proposed NAP could trigger.
Echoing growing industry alarm, NIFDA said the proposed measures, particularly the 8kg per hectare phosphorus limits and the extended buffer strips, could devastate the agri-food sector and cause major economic chaos.
Michael Bell OBE, Executive Director of NIFDA, commented on the findings:
“Together with our colleagues across the eating ecosystem, the NI food and drink industry supports over 113,00 jobs and feeds over 10 million people. We are a critical pillar for the UK’s entire food supply and a vital engine of the NI economy.
“AgriSearch’s report lays bare the economic chaos that would unfold if the current NAP proposal were implemented. The agri-food supply chain would lose over £1.56 billion per year, before factoring in the collapse of vital organisations, infrastructure and facilities that simply wouldn’t survive under these reductions. At the same time, government policy is already contributing to the rising food prices, pushing inflation even higher.”
Mr Bell stressed that while the food and drink industry supports environmental improvements, they must be grounded in evidence and through collaboration between government departments and industry. He said,
“There has been an unexplainable lack of coherent, joined up messaging and strategy from local government, as DAERA and DfE are promoting two very conflicting trajectories for the NI agri-food sector. This is not only irresponsible, but also inhibiting investment, not least in sustainability, and creating uncertainty for the industry’s future.
“No one is arguing against the need for improved water quality, but it must be practical, science led and economically viable, without increasing inflation. NIFDA members are showing strong commitment to sustainability, while there’s no silver bullet – innovation, collaboration, a farmer centric model, and supportive government policies will be key to delivering the change that is needed.
“As Northern Ireland’s largest manufacturing industry, it is imperative that government listens to the evidence in AgriSearch’s report and works with the sector to find solutions that protect our environment while sustaining viable agri-food production.”
The AgriSearch Interim Economic Impact Assessment of Proposed Measures Within DAERA’s Nutrients Action Programme 2026-2029 is now available at:https://agrisearch.org/pdfjs/web/viewer.html?file=/download/files/NAP_Economic_Impact_Assessment_FINAL.pdf