Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir MLA, has commended farmers who have benefited from DAERA Environmental Group Farm Schemes (EGFS).
Such has been the success of the decade long programme, managed by Lough Neagh Partnership, that farmers involved in the Lough Neagh EGFS will be eligible to continue in the scheme with Lough Neagh Partnership providing assistance to the farming community as they continue to move to more nature friendly farming practices.
The schemes exist to deliver support and produce significant positive environmental impact for the local farming community on the shoreline of the largest freshwater lake in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Minister Muir said: “I commend the Lough Neagh Partnership and farmers for the good work that they have done through the Environmental Farming Group Projects to benefit the Lough and the environment. The commitment of the local farming community and the invaluable support provided by the Lough Neagh Partnership has delivered significant positive environmental impact.
“However, there is much work to be done to address all pressures impacting on the Lough in the years ahead. Therefore, it is vital that momentum builds and positive actions are taken across all sectors.
“In June this year, I was pleased to confirm a substantial funding package under the Government of Ireland’s Shared Island initiative for water quality improvement through the Lough Neagh Catchment Area Water Quality Programme. The five-year programme spanning 2027 to 2031 will involve investment in a range of ecological and on farm measures to improve water quality and will include the transfer of knowledge and best practice between both jurisdictions.”
Reflecting on the success of EFGS, Gerry Darby, Manager of Lough Neagh Partnership, said: “Lough Neagh Partnership has been managing two major Environmental Group Farm Schemes funded by DAERA for a decade. One on the southern shores of the Lough and one on the river systems on the east side of the Lough. Reflecting on the success of the programme we have evaluated the real impact that has been experienced by the farming community around the shoreline of Lough Neagh. Farmers around the Lough have been encouraged and assisted to fence off waterways to improve water quality, delay the putting out of cattle in the springtime to allow wetland birds a better opportunity for breeding, and farmers have managed important habitats more effectively and efficiently and, in some instances, created new ones.”
Important environmental and investment impact of the two Lough Neagh Environmental Group Farm Schemes include:
- Over 261 DAERA Environmental Farming Scheme Agreements were signed
- 1100 ha of wet grassland better managed
- 209 ha of wet woodland managed better
- 406 km of watercourse fencing installed
- 421 bird boxes and 154 bat boxes installed
- 14 ha of new woodland planted
- 6 km of Riparian Buffers created
- 100 farm nutrient plans developed
- 33% of the farmed shoreline of the Lough is now in the scheme
- 10 training programmes implemented
- £5,163,780 of environment investment for the farming community brought into wider Lough Neagh area via DAERA and Lough Neagh Partnership
Gary McErlain, Chair of Lough Neagh Partnership, said: “Thanks to Minister Muir and DAERA much needed funding and investment has been received by the Lough Neagh farming community. On average it is estimated that farmers participating in the schemes have received up to £19,700 over the decade time period of the schemes. The schemes have also provided an opportunity for farmers to take part in a best practice pilot model which it is hoped can be built upon for future development. We are encouraged that Minister Muir has confirmed a continuation of the scheme for participating farmers and welcome the recent announcement of substantial funding of £49.3m (€56.7m) from the Shared Island initiative to improve water quality in Lough Neagh and which will develop a wider cross border Lough Neagh catchment-based farming programme.
“I would personally wish to thank the Lough Neagh shoreline farming community who have participated in this scheme. Participation demonstrates that the farming community is willing to consider new practices and care for the environment in tandem with producing quality food for us all. I would also wish to congratulate Michael Meharg who, as Lough Neagh Partnership EGFS coordinator, has worked tirelessly with the Lough’s farmers to ensure the success of this programme over the last decade.”
For further information on the work of Lough Neagh Partnership visit www.loughneaghpartnership.org and follow on socials.
