AQW 172/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 18/05/2022
Answered On Date: 09/06/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail the ways in which he will help farmers diversify their businesses in order to improve sustainability.

Answer:

My Department is designing a more tailored agricultural policy, which better meets the needs of Northern Ireland.

We have developed a Future Agricultural Policy Framework Portfolio that is based on four key outcomes of increased productivity, environmental sustainability, improved resilience and an effective functioning supply chain, alongside measured transition to new schemes.

Following a period of public consultation, on 24 March, I announced 54 policy decisions on Future Agricultural Policy for Northern Ireland. These policy decisions will be followed as soon as possible with new policies and systems to ensure that we will have a future sustainable agricultural industry.