AQW 349/22-27

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

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

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on the Northern Ireland Food Strategy Framework.

Answer:

My officials carried out an eight week public consultation exercise on proposals for a Northern Ireland Food Strategy Framework in autumn 2021. The consultation sought views on the proposed vision, principles and goals of a Northern Ireland Food Strategy Framework. Overall, the responses indicated a strong endorsement for the proposed approach. The summary of responses has been published on the DAERA website, enabling stakeholders to see the overall views that were expressed in the consultation exercise.

As the Northern Ireland Food Strategy Framework cuts across the responsibilities of a number of NI Departments, it requires Executive approval before publication. In the interim, my officials will continue to work with officials from other Departments through the recently formed Food Programme Board in order to develop detailed proposals for an extensive programme of work.