AQW 13331/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 13/06/2024
Answered On Date: 19/06/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what plans he has to ensure the cost of farming essentials, such as seed, fertiliser and other goods and equipment, do not become prohibitively expensive for farmers, particularly family farmers.

Answer:

Input costs and farmgate prices change frequently. These changes are mainly due to price pressures across world markets which are very much outside our control. Consequently, my Department focuses effort on helping farmers mitigate cost and price pressures by improving productivity and efficiency. The new agricultural support framework has been designed to help farm businesses improve their productivity, resilience, and environmental sustainability. CAFRE continues to offer relevant training and support also.