Swann welcomes confirmation from DEFRA that £15m has been invested in the Farming Innovation Programme

In response to a question tabled to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs by South Antrim MP Robin Swann about the steps the Department has taken with stakeholders to remove excess phosphorus from cattle and pig slurry, the Minister of State, Daniel Zeichner MP, announced a £15 million round of funding for the Farming Innovation Programme.

This funding will have a focus on nutrient management and the funding of research projects aimed to develop ideas and technology which would allow farmers to manage their inputs and reduce environmental risk effectively.

Mr Swann said: “I welcome this confirmation from DEFRA that £15 million has been invested in the Farming Innovation Programme, however it is crucial that any developments or innovations are then shared across the UK, ensuring that Northern Ireland’s Department for Environment, Agriculture and Rural Affairs and Agri-Food Biosciences Institute are fully involved. I look forward to the announcement of the successful projects in due course.”