Referring to the watchdog’s report she said: “The OEP’s chief scientist Professor Robbie McDonald has highlighted an issue that has already been well scrutinised and documented. In my opinion, his work serves no real purpose and will cause further confusion and distrust.”
 
The MP criticised the review for what she described as a “disproportionate and biased focus on agriculture”. Ms Lockhart said: “Change is needed to address the challenges facing water quality in Northern Ireland, but it is neither fair, nor effective, to continually point the finger of responsibility in the main at farmers.
 
“The agriculture industry has a role to play, and farmers fully recognise that. While I welcome Professor McDonald’s acknowledgement that “considerable progress” has been made, farmers cannot be singled out as the main contributors when there are multiple sources of pollution impacting our waterways.”
 
Robbie McDonald referred to “robust evidence that the agri-food industry is a significant contributor to nutrient pollution”.
 
The MP pointed to significant pressures elsewhere in the system, including infrastructure failures linked to NI Water. She added: “Unlike Mr McDonald, we cannot ignore the fact that approximately 20 million tonnes of raw sewage is released into our loughs and rivers annually.
 
“Going forward, any serious strategy must address all sources of pollution, not just focus on one sector.
 
“Pollution from excess nutrients such as phosphorus comes from numerous sources, including other forms of industry. Even household chemicals are contributing to poor water quality, which is why we must all work collectively to address the issue,” she said.
 
The OEP report recognises the positive investment and efforts from farmers, but says further, significant change is needed. According to the report, pollution and blue green algae, is a result of the agri-food industry’s heavy dependence on millions of tonnes of imported animal feed and fertiliser. The author made 12 recommendations to strengthen regulations.

Carla Lockhart MP continued: “Duplicating work that is already underway not only risks undermining stakeholder confidence, but also raises serious questions about the effective use of publicly-funded resources.
 
“Farmers are already at the table, working constructively to find practical, balanced solutions that protect both the environment and the sustainability of our agri-food sector and rural economy,” she said.

“Future policy decisions must reflect achievable and sensible environmental goals, while offering practical and workable measures for farmers and growers.
 
“NAP isn’t new – it has been around for almost two decades. Farmers are custodians of the land, and they have made significant investments to improve environmental outcomes. Many farm businesses are ahead of the game when it comes to nutrient storage and low emission slurry spreading technology.”
 
The DUP’s Westminster Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson added: “DAERA’s handling of the NAP review last year has left a bad taste in the mouths of farmers. They feel let down, unheard and frankly mislead with the information that was used as a battering ram to beat them. Information that was later proven to be incorrect.”
 
“It is essential that any regulatory changes around the Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) are balanced, evidence-based and developed in partnership with those directly affected.
 
The MP concluded: “Minister Muir has appointed a Task and Finish Group, comprising of DAERA officials and agri-food sector and environment stakeholders.

“I still have deep concerns regarding this panel and its ability to deliver. We cannot look at farmers in isolation, and until NI Water is at the table, farmers will not fully engage. What is needed now is a co-ordinated, practical approach that brings all sectors together to deliver real improvements in water quality - without unfairly targeting one industry or creating unnecessary uncertainty for rural communities.

“The task and finish group has a mighty big job to do, and we await its findings.”