BH Estates has been awarded a £4 million grant over the next three years to support efforts in Northern Ireland’s agriculture sector aimed at reducing excess phosphorus from livestock slurry. This initiative is a component of the broader Lough Neagh Action Plan, which focuses on environmental sustainability and water quality improvement in the region.

The funding has been granted through the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ (DAERA) Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) Phase 2 project. This project is part of the Sustainable Utilisation of Livestock Slurry (SULS) programme, which aims to develop innovative solutions for the effective management of livestock slurry, promoting sustainable agricultural practices while addressing environmental concerns. Through this initiative, BH Estates will play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of phosphorus runoff on local waterways, contributing to enhanced ecological health in Northern Ireland.

During a visit to the BH Estates site near Dundonald, Minister Muir remarked on the importance of this achievement, stating, “This represents a significant milestone that fulfills a key action item outlined in the Lough Neagh Report and Action Plan, which I published in July."

He highlighted the initiative’s potential to transform nutrient management within the farming community, paving the way for a sustainable future for the agrifood sector. Muir noted that this project exemplifies Green Growth in practice, as it will contribute to emissions reductions, environmental enhancements, and the creation of green job opportunities.

The announcement marks the launch of the first Phase 2 project under the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) as part of the Sustainable Utilisation of Livestock Slurry (SULS) programme. This programme aims to establish and develop demonstration sites for processing livestock manure and slurry, specifically targeting the removal of excess phosphorus from the environment.

The Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) is designed to offer the public sector innovative solutions to address various challenges, ultimately driving improvements across services and operations. This initiative fosters collaboration between suppliers and public sector organizations, allowing them to work together in developing products and services that meet specific needs.

By engaging with the SBRI, suppliers gain valuable opportunities to enhance their skills and expertise, enabling them to expand into new markets. The program encourages a partnership approach, where innovative ideas can be transformed into practical solutions that address pressing public sector issues.

SBRI not only supports the creation of new technologies and services but also aims to stimulate economic growth by nurturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Through this initiative, the public sector can tap into the agility and creativity of SMEs, ensuring that solutions are not only effective but also tailored to the unique requirements of public services. Overall, the SBRI plays a crucial role in driving innovation, enhancing efficiency, and improving outcomes in the public sector while fostering a vibrant ecosystem for suppliers.

Jack Blakiston Houston, managing director at BH Estates, expressed his enthusiasm about launching the Farm2Export project within the framework of the SULS programme. He stated, “We are eager to collaborate with DAERA, our consortium partners, and farmers throughout Northern Ireland to facilitate the economically viable movement of agricultural nutrients. The system we aim to implement will create mutual benefits for farmers, food processors, and the public in terms of nutrient management in both the agri-food and energy sectors in Northern Ireland.