Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail any steps his Department has taken to create safeguards for farmers who cannot avail of the Farm Sustainability Payment, particularly the mushroom industry.
Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs: For those farm businesses, including those within the mushroom sector, that cannot avail of FSP there are other schemes within my Department’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme that are relevant.
The first strand of the Farming with Nature Package, the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme, launched in June 2025, and producers with a Category 1 Farm Business ID, including mushroom growers, are eligible to apply for financial support to implement environmental actions on agricultural land. It is planned that the Scheme will open again for applications in 2026.
The Horticulture Pilot Scheme, which has recently launched includes a bespoke range of support measures, tailored for the specific needs of this sector. It will provide focused knowledge transfer, innovation, supply chain and capital support to the production horticulture industry through three schemes: Sustainable Sector Growth Groups, Innovation Drivers and Support, and a Growers’ Training and Support Pilot Scheme.
The Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme will provide financial support to help primary producers with a Category 1 Farm Business ID, including mushroom growers, to improve business efficiency and environmental performance. It is planned that the scheme will be available from early 2026.
Supply Chain schemes are being developed for NI agriculture and horticulture sectors, including the mushroom industry. The aim of these schemes is to encourage and facilitate improved collaboration between producers and growers within the supply chain, encouraging them to innovate, problem-solve and value-add beyond what they can achieve in isolation.
In March 2025, I also confirmed that the Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme will continue in Northern Ireland until a suitable successor, co-designed with the horticulture sector is in place. Under the scheme, my Department will provide match-funding for recognised NI Producer Organisations undertaking an approved 3-year operational programme, including those operating in the mushroom industry.
ENDS
Your MLA 