Farmers warned to be cautious as slurry spreading closed period looms

Farmers have been warned to act responsibly as the closed period for slurry spreading approaches.

Ulster Farmers Union president Barclay Bell says poor ground conditions are preventing many farmers from spreading slurry – but as the start of the closed period on October 15 approaches, farmers need to be 'cautious' to protect their Basic Payment from the EU.

The UFU president has been visiting farmers in the north and west, where wet weather for much of September is causing major problems.  

“Farmers in these areas are facing a dilemma.  They have slurry to spread but the weather has prevented them from doing so.  Because of poor ground conditions some farmers are unable to prepare properly for the winter.  We have raised this with DAERA and NIEA,” Mr Bell said.

In 2005/06 the UFU secured the inclusion of the ‘reasonable excuse’ clause in the Northern Ireland Nitrates Action Programme.  

It caters for exceptional conditions, when farmers cannot fully comply with the rules, through no fault of their own. This clause has been used in years when weather and ground conditions made compliance impossible.  

“Farmers forced to spread when conditions are not suitable may be able to use the ‘reasonable excuse’ clause.  But documentation may be required to avoid penalties, and this must be available”, Mr Bell said, adding that the UFU can assist members with this process.

The union warns that European Commission officials have concerns about the current rules and are scrutinising the monitoring of spreading practices and water quality data.

“The Commission cannot be given any excuse to strengthen the current requirements.  Brussels will be keeping a close eye on compliance with the closed period and could demand extra storage if farmers are continually struggling to comply. The industry cannot afford to have more restrictions or additional storage requirements imposed,” Mr Bell said.  

He says it is vital the Commission was given no excuse to impose even more draconian legislation.  

“Being able to show that we acted responsibly is our best weapon,” Mr Bell said.