Welcome to Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

Inland Fisheries is responsible for developing angling and commercial fishing policy in relation to the conservation, protection, development, and improvement of Salmon and Inland Fisheries in Northern Ireland.

Information about diseases, disease control and prevention, welfare of farmed and non-farmed animals, trade, importing and exporting animals and authorisation of PVPs for these official activities.

Protecting and preserving Northern Ireland's wildlife and habitats from invasive alien species and other environmental threats.

Information on agri-environment schemes, water quality, renewable energy and employing people on your farm.

Information on areas of crop growing and horticulture including combinable crops, potatoes, fruits and vegetables, seeds and nursery stock.

Education and training courses for the land-based and food industries and development programmes.

DAERA has a role in development management and responds to development proposals where there is potential for impacts on the natural and marine environments and fisheries interests.

If you or your business move live animals and certain products from Great Britain to Northern Ireland there are certain requirements you need to adhere to.

Sea fisheries, inland fisheries, aquaculture and fish health policy in Northern Ireland.

Meat inspection, milk and milk products, personal food imports, egg packers

Forestry education, forest industry, forestry and the environment, forest planning.Contact the NI Forest ServiceInformation on plant and tree healthUK Forestry Standard

A new programme of Farm Support and Development is being co-designed with the Northern Ireland agricultural industry and other key stakeholders to target farm support to meet the bespoke needs of Northern Ireland.

There is a wide range of grant and subsidy schemes to support local farming, fisheries, rural businesses and communities.

Information on land quality and soil as well as details on the geology of Northern Ireland's distinctive and precious landscapes.

Information on key areas of livestock farming including dairy, beef, sheep, pigs, poultry and grass.

Information for Food Competent Certifying Officers regarding official certification of fish, fish products, composite products (containing egg and or fish) and egg products.

Protecting Northern Ireland's coastal and marine environment via legislation, licensing and permits and conservation activities

NIFAIS, the Northern Ireland Food Animal Information System, will be a new flexible and innovative IT system that supports efficient and effective delivery of current and future food animal information services.

Pests and diseases, pesticides, plant passporting, imports and exports, surveys and compliance.

Activities undertaken to prevent, monitor and control pollution of the air, land and waterDAERA and NIEA are issuing specific Covid-19 Regulatory Position Statements in relation to our regulated activities, they can be accessed from the following link;https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/landing-pages/daeras-and-nieas-regulatory-response-covid-19

Actions taken to raise awareness and counteract threats to the environment on both a local and global scale

Management and implementation of the Rural Development Programme and the Rural White Paper Action Plan

This section contains advice, guidance, information and other resources for public authorities in relation to their duties under the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs provides a range of statistics covering agriculture, environment, rural communities, animal health, fisheries, food and forestry in Northern Ireland.

Information relating to sustainable development and prosperity agreements.

DAERA and NIEA have responsibility in NI for making sure waste and resources are managed in a sustainable and safe way. This page is intended to be a “one stop shop” for any queries you have on waste policy (including legislation and regulation).

Protecting the aquatic environment by regulating water quality and hydrological processes whilst considering the needs of industry, agriculture and the protection of public health.

The Windsor Framework (Implementation) Regulations 2024 came into force on 12 April 2024. The Regulations confer powers upon the Secretary of State in relation to Articles 5-7 and Annex 2 of the Windsor Framework, however, the UK Government has committed to exercising these powers only to the extent necessary to support the operation of the Windsor Framework, including relevant commitments of the Safeguarding the Union command paper.

Pages relating to the departments response to COVID-19