Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail any steps he is taking to (i) improve self-sufficiency in food production; and (ii) create a framework that (a) makes resilience progress visible; (b) builds trust; and (c) supports strategic preparedness.
Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs: Food cuts across many departments and while there is no food production framework and I have no plans to create one, there is the Executive approved NI Food Strategy Framework and its two-year action plan. Within mission two of the Food Action plan there is a theme and actions on food security and resilience.
In addition, my Department’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme’s (SAP) overall objective is to transition to a more sustainable farming sector by seeking to implement policies and strategies that benefit our climate and environment, while, very importantly, supporting our economically and socially significant agri-food sector.
SAP will also strengthen sustainable productivity, ensuring the agri food sector remains competitive while maintaining high standards of animal health, public health, disease control and food security.
The Farm Sustainability Payment Scheme within the SAP is designed to improve the resilience of farm businesses and help withstand ‘shocks’ that are beyond their ability to manage effectively, encouraging businesses to become more environmentally sustainable and efficient.
My officials will continue to work across departments and with officials in DEFRA and the other Devolved Administrations in this important area.
ENDS
Your MLA 