Environment Minister Alex Attwood has met with farming representatives to assess the impact of the bad summer weather on the ability of farmers to spread slurry before the season closes on 15 October.

Following the meeting with the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) and Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers Association (NIAPA), and accepting fully the advice of the farming organisations, the Minister has confirmed that, as with last summer, farmers will be able to spread slurry after 15 October where there is reasonable excuse to do so given the condition of their lands.

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Minister Attwood said: "Last year farmers were able to spread slurry after the end of the season. Following the meeting with the farming organisations I am announcing that this will be allowed this year.

"It is crucial to understand that this will only apply to farmers who have reasonable excuse to spread after the 15 October given the condition of their lands. Farmers tell me this approach worked well last year. By making the announcement now, I hope it will work even better this year."

Continuing the Minister added: "I want to stress that the defence to spreading slurry after the end of the season is for those who have reasonable excuse to do so. Farmers will have to demonstrate that in their circumstances, given the state of their lands, they had a reasonable excuse. It should help making this decision over two weeks before the end of the season."

(CD)