Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether any assessment has been made of the potential impact of agricultural robotics on the future agricultural workforce.
Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs: My department has not undertaken a stand-alone assessment of the impact of agricultural robotics on the future agricultural workforce in Northern Ireland.
However, DAERA continues to monitor developments in agricultural technology, automation and precision farming through engagement with industry, research organisations and educational institutions.
My Department’s College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) continues to support the development of skills required by the future agri-food workforce through its education, knowledge transfer and innovation activities. This includes raising awareness of emerging technologies, helping farmers, growers, processors, students and industry stakeholders understand their potential application within agri-food businesses.
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