NI Assembly AERA Committee Visits Groundbreaking SULS Phase 2 Project at Blakiston-Houston Estates

The Northern Ireland Assembly's Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) Committee recently undertook a highly informative  visit to the pioneering Sustainable Utilisation of Livestock Slurry (SULS) Phase 2 project at Blakiston-Houston Estates.

The visit provided Committee members with an invaluable first-hand insight into the innovative work being carried out to tackle phosphorus excess in Northern Ireland's agricultural landscape.

The SULS Phase 2 programme is a critical initiative aimed at significantly reducing the environmental impact of livestock slurry by extracting phosphorus and creating valuable, exportable co-products. Blakiston-Houston Estates (BH Estates) is a key participant in this £12 million, three-year programme, having been awarded £4 million to advance their "Farm2Export" project.

During their visit, Committee members learned of the   mobile slurry separation technology , designed to extract solids rich in phosphorus for use as feedstock in anaerobic digestion plants and also about the ambitious goal of the SULS Phase 2 programme: to cumulatively remove at least 1,000 tonnes of excess phosphorus annually from Northern Ireland's agricultural land by the end of 2027.

Robbie Butler MLA, Chairperson of the NI Assembly’s AERA Committee said: "Our visit to Blakiston-Houston Estates was incredibly enlightening and demonstrated the tangible progress being made through the SULS Phase 2 project."

“It was impressive to see the innovative solutions being implemented on the ground to address nutrient management challenges.

“This initiative is not only vital for protecting our environment but is also generating green jobs, fostering innovation, and moving Northern Ireland closer to its Net Zero targets."

The Committee commended BH Estates and all involved in the SULS Phase 2 project for their dedication to sustainable agricultural practices and their contribution to a cleaner, greener Northern Ireland.

The insights gained from this visit will be crucial in informing the Committee's ongoing scrutiny and policy development within agriculture, environment, and rural affairs.

ENDS

For further information please contact Robbie Best, Communications Office on 028 9052 1137 or Robbie.Best@niassembly.gov.uk.

Notes to Editors:

The Sustainable Utilisation of Livestock Slurry (SULS) Phase 2 programme is a DAERA-led initiative focused on reducing excess phosphorus in Northern Ireland's agricultural system through innovative slurry processing and the creation of marketable products.

Blakiston-Houston Estates (BH Estates) is a participant in the SULS Phase 2 programme, implementing solutions for on-farm slurry separation and phosphorus extraction.