AQW 348/22-27

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 23/05/2022
Answered On Date: 14/06/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what measures are being taken within the Future Agricultural Policy Proposals to support small farmers.

Answer:

I published a Future Agricultural Policy Framework Portfolio in August 2021 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.

In March 2022, I announced 54 decisions which define future agricultural policy and will allow schemes to be developed that will provide opportunities for all Northern Ireland’s farmers. Schemes and support are needed to help farmers develop their businesses, no matter where they farm, to become more productive, profitable and resilient, and to maximise the sustainable returns from the assets at their disposal.

During the public consultation on my future agricultural policy proposals, I proposed increasing the minimum claim size to 10 ha for the Farm Sustainability Payment. However, after listening to the concerns raised by stakeholders on the proposals, I made the decision to set that minimum claim size at 5 ha.

Small farmers will also have the opportunity to apply to other measures, such as Farming with Nature to ensure that environmental outcomes are delivered at landscape scale.

There is still significant work to be done, which my officials will continue to take forward along with continued engagement with stakeholders.