Rural Affairs Minister Poots has launched a Rural Policy Framework for Northern Ireland which aims to create a sustainable rural community where people want to live, work and be active.

The ambitious Framework is focussed on enhancing innovation and entrepreneurship, sustainable tourism, health and wellbeing, employment and connectivity for the 670,000 (approx.) people who live in rural Northern Ireland.

Speaking after the launch, which took place in Ballycopeland Windmill, Newtownards, Minister Poots said: "Rural Northern Ireland is a beautiful and stunning part of the world and the vibrant green landscape is the backbone of our agri-food sector, tourism sector and our economy. I have lived in rural Northern Ireland all my life and truly appreciate not only the countryside, but the resolve and resilience of the people who live there.  Rural life however, comes with a range of challenges such as reduced connectivity, poorer health, lack of access to employment and inferior infrastructure.

"This Framework aims to challenge all of that and make life better for rural dwellers. It is a significant milestone for our rural communities, which are vital to Northern Ireland's economy and tourism sectors. In fact, 60% of our VAT/PAYE registered businesses located there and around 20% of our employee jobs are in rural businesses."

The framework was developed in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders and identifies rural needs and opportunities going forward. Work will now start on the drafting of the new Rural Business and Community Investment Programme.

Minister Poots continued: "It is vital that we protect and enhance our rural communities. The framework identifies the needs and opportunities of our rural dwellers going forward over the next seven years and has been developed in consultation with a wide range of rural stakeholders.

"The development of the framework has given rural dwellers the opportunity to have their say, this is vitally important. This is also why I have asked my officials to setup a Rural Stakeholders Oversight Committee to guide the implementation of the new Rural Business and Community Investment Programme. The programme will ensure that we support a sustainable rural Northern Ireland going forward and create opportunities for communities and business alike."