A series of three lunchtime webinars will explore the science behind Northern Ireland’s agricultural woes with ammonia.

Run by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the sessions will include some of the experts helping to inform future policy.

Speakers include experts from organisations such as the Agri Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, and Rothamsted Research.

A DAERA spokesman said: “Ammonia is not a unique challenge to Northern Ireland or even the UK – countries across the world are working to find solutions to what is a complex issue with no quick fix.

“However, there is a lot we can do together in Northern Ireland, to reduce our emissions whilst at the same time help our agriculture sector to become more efficient and sustainable in the longer term.

“DAERA is committed to working with stakeholders to develop solutions which are ambitious, proportionate and practical.

“While progress has been made in areas such as the uptake of low emission slurry spreading, it is important that the right mix of measures is delivered.

“This will ensure that sufficiently ambitious levels of emission reduction are achieved to relieve pressure on habitats and improve public health, while supporting ‘Green Growth’ and the sustainable development of a thriving agriculture sector.”

Research

DAERA has commissioned a major research programme on ammonia, led by AFBI in collaboration with Rothamsted Research and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.

The emerging conclusions from this research programme will be presented at these webinars this month and will inform the proposals within DAERA’s draft ammonia strategy.

This strategy will be consulted upon later this year.