AQW 18902/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 14/05/2021
Answered On Date: 25/05/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (i) for an update on his engagement with farmers and the Northern Ireland Hemp Association regarding the expansion of the industry; and (ii) for his assessment of the opportunities available to farmers of developing hemp production on land currently used for other types of farming.

Answer:

My response dated 8 October 2021 to your AQW 7703/17-22 outlined the engagement there had been between my officials and hemp farmers and the Northern Ireland Hemp Association at that time. There has been no further engagement on the matter since then.

My Department has not, at present, conducted any assessment of the potential for developing hemp production on land currently used for other types of farming.