AQW 26652/17-22

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 30/11/2021
Answered On Date: 06/12/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what long-term analysis his Department conducts on the trends of market prices for agricultural products.

Answer:

My Department collects and monitors data on market prices for all the major agricultural commodities produced in Northern Ireland. These data are published on a weekly, monthly and annual basis. This includes data on farm incomes both at an aggregate and farm level.

The Department takes part in the UK Agricultural Market Monitoring Group which is comprised of officials from each of the four UK administrations. The Group undertakes a monthly review of the price trends within the UK for each agricultural commodity and also considers input costs and domestic and global events impacting on the sector. A monthly data report and meeting note is published on the UK Government website.