Northern Ireland Executive
24 Mar 2022, 17:30 GMT+10
Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Edwin Poots has announced today the 54 policy decisions on Future Agricultural Policy for Northern Ireland.
The Minister made the announcement today in the Assembly and said after: "For the first time in 50 years we have been able to redefine how our agriculture sector operates and ensure a targeted delivery of programmes and funding that best meet all our needs. The future policy provides a fresh vision for a future agricultural regime that promotes productive, efficient practices through greater innovation and capacity, and increasing profitability whilst protecting the environment, animal health and welfare, and public health. We have developed a future agricultural policy 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."
He went on to say: "On 21 December 2021, I launched a public consultation on my Future Agricultural Policy Proposals for Northern Ireland for a period of eight weeks. In total, 339 responses were received, with 30 from farming organisations and 11 from environmental organisations. Of the 284 responses received from individuals almost half identified as farmers. In reaching my decisions, views were considered from all sectors, age-groups, organisations and individuals."
The Minister added: "Decisions that are central to this future policy include:
The policy decisions embrace other topics and areas of work including investment measures, knowledge transfer and innovation programmes, and the development of the Supply Chain measures. A Generational Renewal programme will encourage longer term planning for farm businesses; and DAERA will invest in the initiation of an industry led Ruminant Genetics Programme.
The current Cross Compliance SMR/GAECs mechanism will be replaced with a simplified system of Farm Sustainability Standards. The horticulture policy proposals will be further developed through a pilot programmes in consultation with industry, focusing on the production of crops with good economic potential. All agricultural land is eligible for payment except for hard features (e.g. buildings, yards, laneways, etc.) under future area based schemes, and the Department will revise its land eligibility documentation effective from 1 January 2024 to align with the introduction of new schemes.
The Minister concluded by saying: "It is my view that my policy decisions announced today are absolutely vital to support sustainable farming and rural communities."
The Future Agricultural Policy decisions are now available to view on the DAERA website.
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