AQW 24235/17-22

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 13/10/2021
Answered On Date: 28/10/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline (i) what discussions his Department has had with the agri-food sector on the rising costs animal feed; and (ii) for his assessment on the impact this is having on the industry.

Answer:

I am fully aware of the rising costs of animal feed and this issue has been raised with me during recent discussions with the industry. Within the latest total income from farming statistics published by my Department it can be seen that animal feedstuffs is the single largest input cost to the overall agriculture sector and is estimated at £837 million for 2020. Therefore, a 10% increase in this cost over the course of a year would equate to an extra £83.7 million. For some sub-sectors there has been an increase in the farm-gate prices they receive and with increasing costs of production in mind, I have also supplemented the Basic Payment Scheme payments to farm businesses by £15.49 million this year. The net impact of all these changes will be reflected in the 2021 estimate of total income from farming statistics which will be published by my Department during the first quarter of 2022. In the meantime, I will continue to monitor the situation.