Ulster Unionist MLA, Tom Elliott, commenting on a written response to a question he put to the Agriculture Minister, said this week he was concerned that some 8,000 farm businesses may not meet the required storage capacity for slurry following the ending of the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme.

He had asked whether or not this showed that DARD should review 'closed' periods when slurry cannot be spread on the land

In a statement, Mr Elliott said he had sought from the Minister the estimated number of farms in Northern Ireland who did not meet the required storage capacity for slurry.

"The figures contained in the reply would cause me concern for the future, namely that approximately 18,700 businesses had sufficient storage or were in the process of ensuring this was the case through the scheme, and that a further 8,000 farms did not apply for aid,

"It is unclear what reasons lie behind each decision not to apply for grant aid. However, I fear that for many farmers the delays and ambiguity surrounding the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme possibly proved to be the deciding factor.

"In the Minister's response, DARD's reasoning behind the decision not to seek aid is justified by suggesting that the farms in question are smaller and less intensive in nature, and that the farms are likely to overcome storage problems with a number of solutions including, stock reduction, changes to management practices or even renting additional storage off farm."

Mr Elliott suggested that if the choice rested between seeking grant aid for more storage capacity to accommodate existing stock levels, or reducing stocking levels to accommodate the existing storage capacity ('and a significant proportion opt for the latter'), that this indicated the level of pressure put on the sector by this single issue.

"I have concerns that farmers' fears surrounding the use of overly stringent closed periods plus a lack of confidence in the handling of the scheme have led to a significant minority of our farmers deciding to scale back production or run the risk of being short of storage."

Tom concluded: "The pressure placed on the sector by global competition and rising input costs is already excessive, to have this exacerbated by an inflexible attitude towards matters such as slurry storage is unnecessary, and is, in many cases, the final straw. It is essential that the whole issue of nitrates and storage receives attention with a view to ensuring it is made more workable before viable family businesses close as a result."