Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister calls out ‘homophobia, racism and misogyny' over NAP proposal
Opponents to the plan have argued that the measures currently proposed could devastate agriculture, reduce livestock numbers and undermine food security.They have called on Mr Muir to bring forward a policy based on genuine partnership rather than punitive policies which risk the viability of our agricultural industryMr Muir told MLAs there is a requirement arising from the Lough Neagh Action Plan and also the Environmental Improvement Plan to review the Nutrients Action Plan.He said it is about ensuring both financial and environmental sustainability, and emphasised they are currently undertaking a consultation on draft proposals, and that no final decisions have been taken.Mr Muir also expressed concern that there is 'a lot of misinformation' around the proposals, and said the social media commentary around the plan in recent weeks has been "disgraceful'.'There's been misogynistic comments against officials in my department,' he said.'There's been racist comments in relation to people that we are very, very fortunate to have working within our agri-food sector.'And not for a very long time have I seen such vile homophobic comments about myself. I am a gay man, and I am proud to be a gay man, and it has no relevance whatsoever to the Nutrients Action Programme nor my ability to do this job.'The consultation on the revised Nutrients Action Programme 2026-2029 is set to continue to July 24 2025.
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