Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (i) for an update on any measures his Department is taking to support farmers in adapting to the challenges posed by climate change; and (ii) how his Department will ensure these measures align with (i) environmental sustainability; and (ii) economic viability in the agriculture sector.
Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs: To meet DAERA’s obligation under the Climate Change Act, an evidence-led and co-design approach to policy development has been adopted to ensure that policies and proposals to meet Climate Change targets, contribute to the stronger resilience, improved environmental sustainability and enhanced productivity of our agriculture sector.
The Schemes being introduced as part of the Sustainable Agriculture Programme will be essential levers in contributing to Northern Ireland’s statutory obligations under the Climate Change Act (NI) 2022.
I am also committed to delivering a ‘Just Transition’ for Agriculture and I have been successful in securing a budget of £12.3m for 2025/26 to take forward initial work in this area.
ENDS
Your MLA 