News, analysis, and updates on sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, rural development, and the protection of natural resources in Northern Ireland.
Farmers north and south of the border may soon see a fresh attempt to curb bovine tuberculosis (bTB) after two agriculture ministers confirmed plans for a joint pilot scheme. Northern Ireland’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir MLA and Ireland’s Minister of State for Agriculture, Food and the […]
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has released Northern Ireland’s first Wildfire Strategic Framework, a document that sets a course to reduce the threat of wildfires across the region between now and 2030. Launched at a joint meeting of the Strategic Wildfires Group and the Wildfires Stakeholder Forum, the framework outlines 35
A suspected outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has prompted the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to impose emergency disease-control measures at a commercial poultry farm outside Omagh. Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir and Northern Ireland’s Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) Brian Dooher say the decision follows “initial
Members of the public have only a few days left to influence Northern Ireland’s first Climate Action Plan. DAERA Minister Andrew Muir is urging citizens, businesses and community groups to submit views before the 16-week consultation closes on 8 October. The draft plan, required under the 2022 Climate Change Act
Experienced mediator appointed to steer next Nutrients Action Programme DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has named agricultural and environmental consultant Karen Brosnan as independent facilitator for a new “Task and Finish” group charged with reshaping Northern Ireland’s Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) for 2026–29. The NAP sets legally binding rules on how
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has confirmed that the second and final stage of the Northern Ireland Food Animal Information System (NIFAIS) will go live on Monday 6 October 2025. From that date pigs, sheep and poultry will join the cattle data already on NIFAIS, creating a single, modern
DAERA Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir has been in Gilford, Co Down, to mark the opening day of the 81st Northern Ireland Ploughing Championships, a two-day fixture organised by the Northern Ireland Ploughing Association (NIPA). Although primarily a competitive display of traditional land-management skills, the Championships double
Two Ballymena men have avoided immediate jail after admitting to burying thousands of tonnes of construction and household waste on land off the Doury Road. Gerald Bryson McCarroll (69) and Brian McCarroll (38) each received a six-month prison sentence, suspended for one year, at Antrim Crown Court. The case, pursued
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has announced that £4.66 million has now been allocated to 736 farm businesses through the new Farming with Nature Transition Scheme. Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir hailed the “strong uptake”, arguing that the scheme marks a significant first
DAERA has opened a public consultation on a new package of fines and penalties aimed at curbing water pollution across Northern Ireland. The proposals, unveiled by Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir, are intended to form part of the forthcoming Fisheries and Water Environment Bill and build on
