The consultation on the proposed Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) 2027–2030 closes on 7th September 2026 at 11.59pm; while a separate consultation on potential wildlife intervention options as part of the Department’s bovine TB eradication strategy closes on 25th September at 5.00pm.

Ms Lockhart said: “I strongly encourage farmers and everyone with an interest in the future of Northern Ireland’s agri-food industry to take the time to study both consultations carefully and make their views known directly to DAERA.

“These are separate consultations dealing with two hugely important issues impacting our farming community. The deadlines are fast approaching, and it is vital that those with practical experience on the ground engage with the online process.

“Whether it is the future regulation of nutrients and environmental requirements through NAP, or the long-awaited question of wildlife intervention, specifically the culling of infected badgers, as part of a comprehensive strategy to eradicate bovine TB, the decisions made following these consultations could have far-reaching consequences for farm businesses and our wider rural economy for many years to come.”

The Upper Bann MP said: “NAP is a complex and far-reaching piece of legislation. We know that from last year’s blunt, unrealistic and unworkable proposals. As I have said previously, the devil is in the detail.

“DAERA’s previous consultation was shambolic, causing huge concern and generating considerable mistrust within the farming fraternity. Naturally, there is an element of scepticism surrounding these new proposals, and rightly so.

“We are led to believe the most damaging aspects of last year’s proposals have been reworked or will be phased in gradually. However, a number of important issues require careful scrutiny, especially for farmers operating intensive enterprises and the implications of revised dairy nutrient calculations linked to milk yield.

“Every farm is different. It is crucial that individual farmers consider the proposals through the prism of their own business,” she said.

The new-look NAP aims to reduce Northern Ireland’s overall phosphorus surplus by 30 per cent over the next four years. Ms Lockhart stressed that farmers must not be unfairly scapegoated for wider water quality problems.

“The vast majority of our farmers are already playing their part in reducing nutrient run-off and protecting waterways. They have invested heavily in good environmental practices and remain committed to producing high-quality food sustainably.

“Agriculture is not solely responsible for pollution in our rivers. If Northern Ireland is serious about improving water quality, the Stormont Executive must urgently address pollution from other sources, including inadequate wastewater infrastructure, storm overflows, septic tanks, industry and everyday household pollution,” explained Ms Lockhart.

Turning to the wildlife intervention consultation, the MP said it represented an overdue but important opportunity to finally address one of the most difficult aspects of Northern Ireland’s bovine TB eradication strategy.

Carla Lockhart added: “For far too long, Northern Ireland’s farming community has been calling for a ‘no stone unturned’ approach to tackling TB. This consultation is an important opportunity to move that conversation forward.

“I would strongly urge cattle herds owners to study the proposals carefully and make their views known on or before the deadline.

“Farmers battling this disease understand better than anyone the devastating impact that bovine TB has on their herds, their businesses and their families.”

Ms Lockhart said a science-led eradication strategy must address every significant source of infection. “The farming community deserves a balanced, evidence-based approach which deploys every practical and scientifically-supported tool available.

“Wildlife intervention is a thorny issue. Meaningful progress can only be achieved when wildlife management forms part of a broader eradication programme, alongside improved diagnostics, effective cattle controls, enhanced biosecurity and continued investment in research and innovation.

“Bovine TB inflicts enormous costs on individual farm businesses, while the burden on the public purse runs into tens of millions of pounds every year.

Concluding, Carla Lockhart MP said: “I cannot stress strongly enough the importance of engagement. Farmers have an opportunity to put their views directly to DAERA on both of these major issues.

“My message is clear - Your voice matters! Take the time to read the consultations, consider the potential consequences for your business and submit a response prior to the relevant deadlines.



“Farmers must ensure that their experience, knowledge and concerns are heard.”