AQW 4336/22-27

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 10/10/2022
Answered On Date: 25/10/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, following the recent announcement that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has awarded 22 projects funding through the Landscape Recovery scheme, will he be implementing a similar scheme in Northern Ireland.

Answer:

Following a period of public consultation, I announced 54 policy decisions on Future Agricultural Policy for Northern Ireland, including 10 related to the Farming with Nature Package.

The Farming with Nature Package is being developed through co-design with stakeholders, and in line with the principles stated in the consultation document. The overall Package may eventually offer measures broadly similar to some within the Landscape Recovery Scheme but will be tailored to meet the unique needs of Northern Ireland landscapes and habitats. My officials are presently working to develop a number of Test and Learn Pilots which will help identify solutions and recommendations to inform future scheme design and continue to work closely with key stakeholders to ensure these will have the desired impact.

A number of landscape projects are currently being undertaken through the current Environmental Farming Scheme’s Higher Level Group projects. These projects are facilitated by environmental organisations, funded by my Department, and deliver large scale environmental benefits for breeding waders, water quality and general habitat in focused locations.

My Department also provides funding to not-for-profit organisations through the Environment Fund to secure delivery of strategic environmental outcomes including the development and implementation of landscape scale management and restoration of priority habitats.