Stormont begins work on new "made in Northern Ireland" agri policy

by Q Radio news

Stormont's working on a new "made in Northern Ireland" agricultural policy to be implemented post-Brexit.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs says the policy will cover everything from financial support for farmers to improving the countryside.

Members of the public have until October the 10th to express their views.

Ulster Farmers Union president, Ivor Ferguson says while it's late in coming it's a chance to reshape things for the future.

A Daera spokesperson said; "Following any agreed transition period, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will no longer apply to NI once the UK leaves the European Union.

Therefore the views of stakeholders are being sought on a ‘Future Agricultural Policy Framework’ document to help shape the debate on future support arrangements for NI".

Norman Fulton, Deputy Secretary, Food and Farming Group at DAERA said: “Following our initial and very positive engagement with a number of stakeholders representing farming, food and environmental interests, we are now seeking views from across a much broader range of stakeholders on possible future agricultural support arrangements in NI as we prepare to leave the EU.

“CAP payments have been important in sustaining the industry, underpinning its competitive trading position and developing its environmental performance, so it is essential that the industry in NI is provided with some certainty in relation to future support arrangements in the shorter term. There is also a need to develop a longer term agricultural policy framework and deliver a managed transition over a number of years.

“I would encourage all those with an interest to consider the framework document and to forward their views to the Department by 10 October 2018.”

The Northern Ireland Future Agricultural Policy Framework Stakeholder Engagement document is on the DAERA website at http://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/consultations/northern-ireland-future-agricultural-policy-framework