DAERA has launched a pioneering competition aimed at finding sustainable solutions to the poultry manure challenge. By encouraging innovation in waste management and nutrient recycling, the initiative supports environmental protection, circular agriculture, and greener practices within Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has launched a new £250,000 Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) competition focused on the sustainable management of poultry layer manure in Northern Ireland.
This new initiative—the Sustainable Utilisation of Layer Manure (SULM) competition—aims to drive innovation in handling nutrients from poultry manure, especially phosphorus (P), to reduce environmental harm and unlock new economic opportunities.
Layer manure, a by-product of egg production, contains high levels of phosphorus, which can contribute to environmental issues such as water pollution if not managed properly. The SULM competition seeks practical and scalable solutions to remove excess phosphorus from the Northern Ireland agricultural nutrient cycle.
This effort builds on the success of DAERA’s existing Sustainable Utilisation of Livestock Slurry (SULS) programme and demonstrates the department’s ongoing commitment to improving nutrient management and supporting green innovation across the agri-food sector.
Launching the competition, Minister Muir said:
“This SBRI competition represents a vital step in addressing the nutrient challenges posed by poultry layer manure. By supporting innovation in this space, we aim to reduce phosphorus loading on our land and support a sustainable layer sector across Northern Ireland.”
The total competition budget is up to £250,000, with a maximum of five successful applicants each eligible to receive up to £50,000 to demonstrate the technical feasibility of their proposed solution.
Key information for applicants:
Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 15 August 2025.
Information Event: An online information session will take place on 10 July 2025, from 10:00 to 11:30 GMT. This session will cover the competition’s scope, eligibility requirements, and application process.
Proposals should focus on practical, economically viable solutions for phosphorus reduction in poultry layer manure. These innovations should be capable of being scaled up to meet the needs of the Northern Ireland layer sector and must show both technical feasibility and environmental sustainability.
DAERA’s SULM competition represents a significant investment in the future of sustainable agriculture in Northern Ireland. By encouraging innovation and supporting scalable nutrient management solutions, this initiative not only addresses environmental concerns but also helps secure a more resilient and economically viable layer poultry sector.
Researchers, businesses, and innovators are encouraged to bring forward their ideas and contribute to a more sustainable future for Northern Ireland’s agricultural landscape.
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