Ambitious environmental targets for agriculture in the EU will not apply to NI after Brexit, a DAERA spokesperson has confirmed.

The EU’s “Farm to Fork” strategy includes targets to reduce pesticide use by 50%, cut fertiliser use by at least 20% and reduce antimicrobial use in livestock by 50% between now and 2030. The EU also wants 25% of agricultural land to be farmed organically by the end of this decade.

During recent online meetings with members, the Ulster Farmers’ Union has suggested that these targets will apply to NI.

On enquiry, a DAERA spokesperson told the Irish Farmers Journal that this was not the case.

“The targets in the EU’s Farm to Fork strategy will not apply to NI after the Brexit transition period as the UK is no longer a member of the EU,” the spokesperson confirmed.

While NI will be part of the EU’s regulatory zone for goods after Brexit, it will not be under the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy.

A recent command paper published by the UK government states that NI will have “freedom to design its own subsidy policy to suit local needs”.

The document also states that over £380m from the UK government can be used for farm support in NI each year before approval is needed from the EU under state aid rules.