Northern Ireland’s Daily Manure Production from Factory Farms Revealed by New Research

Recent studies conducted by environmental organizations indicate that up to 2,555 tonnes of manure are generated daily in Northern Ireland. The River Bann catchment area ranks as the eighth highest region in the UK for manure volume, with a daily output of 1,823 tonnes. Compassion in World Farming, Friends of the Earth, and Sustain have collaborated to create an interactive “muck map” that illustrates the locations of factory farms across the UK and the quantities of manure they produce. These groups have calculated that factory-farmed chickens and pigs in Northern Ireland produce nearly a million tonnes of manure annually, a figure based on farms housing over 2,000 pigs or 40,000 poultry. The organizations report a 12% increase in factory farm installations throughout the UK between 2016 and 2023, which they say poses a threat to waterways and water quality. Stormont’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) stated that its minister, Andrew Muir, was “determined to provide the leadership needed to address the issues in Northern Ireland’s waterways”. A spokesperson for Daera further indicated that Mr Muir has been “clear that collective action and investment across government, the agri-food and public sectors and by the community will be needed”. A recent report by the Office for Environmental Protection identified land use and pollution, linked to agricultural intensification, as the primary pressures on nature in Northern Ireland. James Orr, the Northern Ireland director of Friends of the Earth, commented that farming intensification under the Going for Growth strategy was “designed to deliver profits for the big international companies at the expense of family farmers, Lough Neagh and public health”. He also remarked that it was “about time” intensive factory farm models received public scrutiny. “We need a better agricultural system to protect the health of both habitats and human wellbeing,” Mr Orr stated. He advocated for a prohibition on “all expansion and new intensive units, and funding directed to regenerative farming,” adding, “Farmers should be supported to transition away from the intensive model to a truly sustainable agricultural practice.” The Going for Growth strategy, which originated in 2012, has been characterized by the current Agriculture and Environment Minister Andrew Muir as “a mistake”. A Green Growth strategy is now in place, aiming to reconcile environmental and climate protection with economic development. The “muck map” categorizes data by council areas, indicating that the Mid Ulster region produces the highest daily volume of manure, reaching up to 823.72 tonnes. This volume contributes to 7876.61 tonnes of phosphorus and nitrogen nutrient pollution each year. Anthony Field of Compassion in World Farming’s UK office asserted that the dispersal of waste from pigs and poultry kept without pasture access is “a major contributor” to river pollution in Northern Ireland. The organizations further noted that soy imported from South America for feeding factory farm animals contributes to deforestation in the Amazon and adversely affects indigenous populations. Ruth Westcott from Sustain advocated for “regulation to ensure farmers get a fair deal and offering just routes to diversify out of livestock”. A statement from Daera’s spokesperson indicated that the department is “already delivering” on a 37-point plan, which Stormont ministers approved in July, designed to tackle pollution issues in Lough Neagh. They also mentioned, “One key measure to help protect water quality against pollution from agricultural sources is the Nutrients Action Programme (NAP).” The NAP is presently undergoing a review, and Daera’s spokesperson stated that revised NAP regulations are expected to be implemented next year. The statement concluded, “Minister Muir is also committed to strengthening environmental governance and will give further details on that shortly.”