AQW 40909/22-27
Mr Stephen Dunne
Democratic Unionist Party
North Down
Tabled Date: 18/02/2026
Answered On Date: 04/03/2026
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether his Department is considering any adjustments to the closed period for slurry spreading, in light of the unprecedented levels of rain in recent weeks.
Answer:
My Department has given careful consideration to the suggestion to regulate slurry spreading based solely on weather conditions rather than fixed dates. The dates of the closed period are based on local data and scientific research by the Agri Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI). DAERA commissioned AFBI to undertake a comprehensive review of the underpinning science in 2020 and again in 2024 and both reviews concluded that there is no scientific or agronomic basis for changing the closed period. The AFBI analysis concluded that “The current evidence base supports the closed period as the most effective strategy for minimising the risks associated with slurry spreading from 15 October to the 31 January. Removal of the closed period and reliance solely on the current NAP restrictions on weather and soil conditions, (i.e. restrict applications based on soil moisture and rainfall conditions), will not sufficiently mitigate the risk associated with slurry applications during this period.” During these months, low temperatures and limited daylight restrict crop growth, meaning minimal nutrient uptake and nutrients vulnerable to run off in any subsequent wet weather. For this reason, the Nutrients Action Programme Regulations require farms to have at least 22 weeks of slurry storage to allow flexibility until spreading conditions improve in the spring. Ultimately, the aim is to protect our watercourses from pollution at a time when major improvements are urgently needed.
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