‘Killing Cows for Climate Goals’ | Net Zero Phosphate Laws Imposed on NI will DESTROY Farming

Farmers across Northern Ireland are warning that new net zero-driven phosphate regulations will destroy the region’s beef and dairy industry.

Without proper consultation, civil servants are imposing strict phosphorus limits that could force farms to slash livestock numbers or shut down entirely. Estimates show a £1.6 billion hit to the Northern Ireland agri-food economy, with rising food prices, job losses, and long-term damage to UK food security.

Beef and dairy farmer David Irwin says this isn’t about clean rivers, it’s about “killing cows for climate goals.” Reporter Dougie Beattie investigates the growing farmer backlash and what it could mean for the rest of the UK.

Farmers to Action: The Hidden Crisis in UK Farming