Attwood comments on slurry spreading for farmers

Following the meeting with the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) and Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers Association (NIAPA), and accepting fully the advice of the farming organisations, the Minister has confirmed that, as with last summer, farmers will be able to spread slurry after October 15 where there is reasonable excuse to do so given the condition of their lands.

Mr Attwood said: “Last year farmers were able to spread slurry after the end of the season. Following the meeting with the farming organisations I am announcing that this will be allowed this year.

“It is crucial to understand that this will only apply to farmers who have reasonable excuse to spread after October 15 given the condition of their lands. Farmers tell me this approach worked well last year. By making the announcement now, I hope it will work even better this year.

“I want to stress that the defence to spreading slurry after the end of the season is for those who have reasonable excuse to do so.

“Farmers will have to demonstrate that in their circumstances, given the state of their lands, they had a reasonable excuse. It should help making this decision over two weeks before the end of the season.

“There is a provision in the Nitrates Action Programme Regulations whereby farmers may be able to rely on the defence of “reasonable excuse” in relation to spreading livestock manures and non-compliance with the closed period.

“Farmers needing to rely on this defence should ensure they have a record of evidence that they have taken all reasonable steps to manage their livestock manures, why they had no alternative other than to spread organic manures during the closed period and that good practice has been observed to prevent any water pollution.

“I will keep in close contact with farming representatives over the next days and weeks. My Department will work with farmers to ensure that all who can rightly claim the defence of reasonable excuse are able to do so.”