To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail (i) any financial and practical support that will be available to farmers to implement measures under the proposed Nutrients Action Programme 2027–2030; (ii) how this support will reflect implementation costs at farm level; and (iii) any additional support being considered following engagement with the agricultural sector.

The new Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme (SFIS) within the Sustainable Agriculture Programme (SAP), will offer capital grant support to farmers for low emission slurry spreading equipment (LESSE).

My Department will also deliver a programme of practical support through guidance, training and knowledge transfer activities, alongside enhanced digital tools and nutrient calculators to support on-farm decision making.

The main capital costs associated with the proposed Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) 2027–2030 are in relation to LESSE, for which capital grant support will be available through SFIS.

The proposed NAP 2027-2030 has been developed through the NAP Stakeholder Task and Finish Group which included representatives of the farming, agrifood and environmental sectors. Through that process the need for enhanced advisory and technical support for farmers was identified. My Department is committed to continuing its engagement with the agricultural sector. Work is already underway to strengthen knowledge transfer, training and advisory support for both farmers and agri-industry professionals.