Covid-19 Update for AERA Committee - 15/04/2020

EMFG – Fisheries issues

Fisheries - Sea Fishing Sector

On 3 April the Minister announced that the Department would proceed with a scheme of financial support for the sea fish catching sector.

This will require secondary legislation made under section 15 of the Fisheries Act 1981.  An SL1 for the Committee’s consideration was submitted on 7^th April.   The Committee has raised a number of questions about the scheme, which EMFG will attempt to answer.

Some vessels continue to fish where there is a market for their catch but overall activity is greatly reduced due to the severe drop in demand for fish.

Aquaculture Sector

There has also been a severe drop in sales of aquaculture products as a result of COVID-19. A separate scheme is currently being investigated to support this sector.

As a result of the drop in sales, increased stocking densities may increase welfare and disease issues.  The Department is actively engaging with the sector on this.

Inland Fisheries

• Lough Neagh Fishing Co-operative Society has now suspended its fishing operations due to the markets closing down and also in response to concerns over the health and welfare of staff. 
• The Department is currently considering what additional measures to support the Lough Neagh fishermen can be put in place at this time, other than those already outlined by the Government.
• Angling at the public angling estate waters has now been closed and fishermen have been advised to stay at home at this time and not to go fishing.

Update on Essential Legislation: UK Fisheries Bill

• DEFRA expects the Devolved Administrations to have had the Legislative Consent Motions debated in their respective assemblies before the Third Reading of the Bill in the first House at Westminster.
• The Minister laid the Legislative Consent Memorandum for the Fisheries Bill in the Business Office on 23 March 2020. No date has been scheduled for its Legislative Consent Motion in the Assembly.
• The dates for the Report Stage and Final Reading for the Fisheries Bill at Westminster have not yet been scheduled.
• Should Report Stage be delayed due to COVID-19/longer recess period (note: this has not been confirmed), this could impact on the timing of the Legislative Consent Motion in the Assembly.

Update on Essential Finance or Budget information

• The Department’s bid of £1.5m for Covid 19 funding to support the sea fishing sector has been met.

NIEA & EMFG – Environment issues

Waste management collection, storage and processing

Along with continuing the key public health messages from last week, the key message this week has been to continue recycling while warning against fly-tipping during the Covid-19 pandemic.  Cardboard, plastic and glass are vital resources in package production across the food and retail sectors and continuing to recycle is vital for the supply chain. 

The warning about fly-tipping used the ‘Right Place, Right Waste’ theme asking the public not to intensify the burden on our public health services by placing our waste in the right bin.  Don’t dump unwanted waste, it’s that simple. 

These key messages were communicated through Ministerial tweets including a video message and a statement from the Minister all of which had significant reach and engagement on social media.  The information was also disseminated through the DAERA website and NI Direct with many Councils also sharing the message.

A range of COVID-19 Regulatory Position Statements have been prepared by NIEA to ensure pragmatism and flexibility in the waste sector (e.g. Authorised Waste Facilities – Temporary variation of licence/permit conditions).

With the reduction in waste services and increased household waste there is an increased risk of illegal dumping/fly-tipping. The Department is working closely with local councils on this matter. The NI Direct fly-tipping page has been updated regarding reporting of wasted crime while the Minister also made reference to fly-tipping in his Easter message.

Engagement between DAERA, local councils and the waste industry continues.

Water quality

All reports of water pollution received via the 24hr hotline 0800 807060 and email Emergency-Pollution@daera-ni.gov.uk are being logged, triaged and where appropriate investigated. Duty officers make an assessment of the pollution severity based upon the details provided. 

To help with this assessment anyone who wishes to report pollution is being asked to forward any supporting photographs / videos to the above email address after calling. Depending on the location and/or the severity assigned, some low risk incidents may not be responded to immediately to avoid unnecessary travel.

These incidents will be logged and followed up at a later date.  Any incident assigned a medium or high severity will be investigated as per normal procedures with additional measures put in place to ensure social distancing requirements are maintained.

Future Viability of Environmental NGOs

Northern Ireland Environment Link have issued a Coronavirus Impact Survey to Environment and Conservation Organisations in Northern Ireland – responses are due by close on Friday 10 April.                              

Senior Management from NIEA and the Environment, Marine and Fisheries Group met with representatives of the eNGO sector on 9 April to discuss environmental issues and priority needs in the current Covid 19 landscape.

It is important that the eNGO sector remains resilient, retaining capacity and expertise, to continue to deliver key environmental outcomes. DAERA will be considering the needs, sources of funding available and whether further action is required.

Country Parks and Nature Reserves

NIEA visitor centres, cafes, mobile concessions and public toilet facilities remain closed. Where possible vehicle access to sites has also been closed. These measures have resulted in a significant reduction in visitors but have caused some issues with vehicles parking on roads and verges outside sites. Such issues remain a matter for PSNI, however liaison between NIEA and PSNI is ongoing.

Pedestrian access remains to most sites and accordingly work is still being undertaken to maintain safe public access as far as possible. There is a risk that the Easter break could see people congregating in Country Parks in breach of social distancing advice.  NIEA will maintain a presence at Country Parks and will continue to liaise closely with the PSNI over the course of the Easter period providing up to date information on individual sites where issues may be emerging.

Disposal of Animal By Products (ABP)

To date no significant impact on rendering capacity is being seen at present. Discussions are ongoing within DAERA in relation to potential impact and intervention that may be required and a Forum is being held weekly to review the rendering situation.

Storage of Tallow

Our understanding is that there are still a number of routes to market for tallow both in GB and ROI and at this stage no problems are being reported. Tallow is considered to be both an animal by-product and an oil, at present any site used for storage of tallow must be fully compliant with the relevant legislative requirements including both the Oil Storage Regulations and any animal by products approvals. The Department is aware of a number of storage options and is further exploring these should an emergency situation arise.

Air quality

Officials are continually reviewing air quality to ensure that an air pollution alert can be issued in the event that high levels of air pollution are experienced and/or forecast. 

Regulatory Position Statements

NIEA is continuing to develop Covid 19 Regulatory Position Statements. There has been no requirement to issue any at present, and these will be held in draft pending issue.

Carrier Bag Levy

Following potential risks identified of the spread of Covid 1919 due to home deliveries, The Single Use Carrier Bags Charge (Coronavirus Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 were made and came into operation on 1 April.

Implementation of the amendment Regulation is ongoing with continued liaison between the levy team and the N.I. retail sector.

Update on Essential Legislation: Environment Bill

Parliamentary scrutiny of the Environment Bill remains suspended until at least 28 April. At this stage, no further information is available regarding a likely date for resumption of scrutiny.

Update on Essential Finance or Budget information

A bid was made for Covid 19 funding to support local councils and the waste sector. Under initial proposals from the Finance Minister no Covid 19 funding has been provided. The Department will continue to work with councils to support waste communications and has allocated £200k for this purpose.

NILGA has written to the Finance Minister seeking a financial support package to cover additional costs for waste management as a result of Covid-19. DAERA officials are working with NILGA to ensure a firm evidence base for any support that is forthcoming and to avoid duplication.

Rural Affairs, Forestry Service & Estate Transformations Group

Rural Affairs Division

Rural affairs continues to focus on payments processing and supporting partners.  Work continues on the draft Rural Policy Framework.

DAERA Direct Offices

Staff continue to work in the DAERA Direct office on essential services whilst maintaining social distancing.  Arrangements continue to be made to allow more key personnel to work from home where possible.

Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI)

TRPSI funded initiatives continue to proactively deliver support to rural dwellers.

Rural Support

Rural Support continue to deal with calls and offer support.

Role of Rural Community Transport Partnership (RCTP’s)

Through the TRPSI Programme, DAERA officials, in conjunction with DfI and the RCTP’s, are compiling a comprehensive list of activities that RCTP’s are undertaking in their local areas.

SPRING Social Prescribing Project

No change.

Rural Community Development Support Service

The Rural Support Networks have been identified as delivery partners by Councils and all are involved in the community response.

Rural Community Network (RCN) and NI Rural Women’s Network (NIRWN)

No change.

EU LEADER Programme, Tourism and Project Stratum LEADER

Councils advise that £12.6m of funding to rural Businesses, the Community and Voluntary Sector and Councils is currently affected due to COVID-19 advice. Supply chains for businesses have been disrupted and work within the construction sector on non-essential infrastructure has ceased. DAERA will continue to work closely with LAGs and Councils to maintain a flexible approach.

An online Rural Tourism assessment panel was held on the 3rd April2020, and this saw another project successfully achieve over the pass mark. A letter of offer worth £500k has now been issued to the respective Council.

Project Stratum

Work by bidders to the tender continues with a closing date of 5 May 2020, after which the bids will be technically appraised and assessed. The project is still on target to issue a contract this financial year.

Processing of Grant Aid claims

In the last two weeks of March just over £1.69m of funding has been submitted by Councils to the Department for payment. This funding is to be paid to rural businesses, Community Voluntary Sector and to Councils.

In the Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme since 16 March 84 small rural businesses received payment totalling over £274k while 138 applicants to the Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme received payments totalling £176k from the Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Programme.

Rural Policy - Recovery

Work continues on a draft Rural Policy Framework.

Update on essential finance or budget information

The impact on the Budget continues to be monitored.

Questions from the Assembly Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee, which require responses below. 

(If the updates above have answered these questions already, please indicate that below.)

DAERA Direct Offices have staff been given the option to work from home where possible, bearing in mind that the closure of the livestock marts will substantially reduce the need for DAERA Direct face-to-face services?

The answer to this question is contained in the information above.

Do the offices employ temp or agency staff & if so are they being treated in the same manner?

Yes.

Farm Family Health Checks Programme: is consideration being given to utilising this programme especially the mobile van for COVID-19 testing in isolated rural areas?

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT) lead on the delivery of the Farm Families Health Checks service across Northern Ireland and following consultation with DAERA and the Public Health Agency took the decision to suspend the service on the basis that the nursing resource could be best utilised elsewhere in the response to Covid 19.  The vehicle layout also makes social distancing difficult.  NHSCT are aware of the capacity issues with the FFHC vehicle and will keep its potential functionality under review as the Covid 19 situation continues to develop.

Estate Transformation Division

In response to COVID-19 the Department has temporarily closed its Headquarters buildings at Ballykelly House, Ballykelly and the Klondyke Building in Belfast city centre.  Dundonald House remains open as a Headquarters location in order that essential Department staff can work from it if required.

As stated above all DAERA Direct Offices remain open to staff. This is in order to support the food supply essential functions of trade certification, identification, registration and movement of animals and Tuberculosis testing.

Where staff remain working within DAERA Direct Offices and other DAERA buildings social distancing has been put in place within the local offices. Furthermore where required, staff rotas have been introduced to reduce the number of staff in offices and to facilitate social distancing. Additional laptops are also being sought so that more staff can work from home.

Public access to the Department’s forests and country parks has been restricted as far as possible with car parks closed to all vehicles, playparks and on-site toilet facilities closed along with camping amenities, museums, mobile concessions and visitor centres.

Throughout this period the Department has sought to follow guidance provided by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and the NI Civil Service on measures to take to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Original action taken across the DAERA estate by premises teams included ensuring that PHA COVID 19 posters were prominently displayed; adequate supplies of soap and towels were available for staff to carry out good hand hygiene practices; and that cleaning was focussed on the high traffic communal areas.

The Department is also currently working with DOF in order to ensure that essential maintenance works etc. can be carried out during this period on key DAERA buildings including those which may be of use in responding to COVID-19.

Forest Service

Current public health advice is strongly recommending the reduction of social contact and the restriction of all non-essential movements and in keeping with this, particular consideration is needed in relation to the range of facilities and land managed by Forest Service for public use or with public access. As a result all forest parks have been closed to vehicular access, as well as caravan and camping and associated facilities.

These closures will be in place until the end of May in the interests of public safety in line with government guidance regarding the risk of spread of Covid-19 (coronavirus). The situation will be reviewed at the end of May taking account of the most up to date Public Health Agency and Government advice at that time. 

As a result of these actions people travelling to visit forests has reduced significantly. Forest Service is continuing to monitor usage of the forests and liaise closely with the PSNI to highlight any areas of concern, particularly where there is a build up of vehicles at forest entrances.

As highlighted by the Minister in his 8 April statement, Easter is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year for visits to DAERA forests and he has urged people to stay at home and not to visit the forests at this time. Monitoring of forest parks and close liaison with the PSNI will continue over the Easter period with the sharing of up to date information on sites where issues may be emerging. 

Forest Service is working with representatives from the Department for Communities and local councils to support transportation of food boxes to the most vulnerable people. Work is ongoing to deploy staff and vehicles in assistance with this critical and essential work.   

Supporting the food supply chain is a critcial element of DAERA’s work and Forest Service contribute through the supply of timber to the pallet and wood packaging processors for transportation of food and other essential goods. Smaller diameter log packages have been prioritised and been made available to the sawmills sector which are particularly suitable for harvesting to meet this market requirement.

Food & Farming Group

Single Application

On 30 March 2020, the Minister confirmed that the closing date for the 2020 Single Application would remain as 15 May 2020.  Northern Ireland is the only region in the United Kingdom which makes direct payments in October.  Any extension to the application period could delay payments in October 2020.  However, the period during which farmers can amend claims without penalty has been extended to 09 June 2020.

By 8 April, over 7,100 farm business had submitted their SAF, an increase of 65% from the same period last year.

Orchard House has closed and DAERA Direct offices are closed to the public.  Area-based Schemes Division staff are working from home to provide an enhanced SAF Advisory Service.  Action is being taken to give additional staff the ability to work from home to ensure continuity of this service. A service has also been put in place for DAERA staff to submit Single Applications online for applicants who have no broadband or access to I.T. equipment who would have availed of a Digital Assistance appointment in their local DAERA Direct office in the previous scheme year.

A derogation has been put in place to remove the Greening crop diversification requirement for 2020 because of adverse weather conditions earlier in the year.  This is in line with action taken by England, Scotland and Wales.  Other Greening requirements remain.

Agri-food sector

While supply chains are still working effectively there remains significant concerns across all stakeholders that staff availability for work will decline quickly as fear of contracting the virus grows among workforce. Calls were made to have some level of quick testing for staff following self-isolation before returning to work and to have specific advice on how best to check/screen staff entering the workplace.

Position – DAERA raised this through the C3 structures and FSA also raised this directly with DoH.

In addition there is concern at the lack of specific advice for agri-food sector workers on Covid H&S measures and calls were made for suitable protocols to be developed. NIFDA and NIMEA have developed protocols with input from FSA, DAERA and other agencies.

Position – Businesses are each putting their own measures in place to protect and reassure staff in line with current guidance on the GOV.UK website.

Financial pressures are increasing rapidly across supply chains as markets adapt to the changing trading environment. For example, loss of food service markets, certain export markets, reduced productivity in processing plants and increases in some input costs like animal feed. Industry is calling for financial support measures including grants, rates relief, loans and EU (CMO) schemes. Such support would involve government, lending institutions and a good deal of forbearance by creditors.

Position – DAERA are working closely with industry and banks to assess the potential impacts on the supply chain, to keep products moving where possible and to explore mitigation measures where this is not possible.

Concern growing about the potential for a build-up of livestock on farms (particularly in the intensive sectors) and or products e.g. milk. A combination of reduced processing speed (due to implementing social distancing measures in plants), lack of market outlets (including for animal by products) and lack of storage availability for finished product means that pressure is being put back on farms to hold stock and/ or dump product (milk a real concern – reports on 7 April on BBC of milk being dumped in slurry tank in GB).

Position – DAERA are alive to all the issues and are in regular contact with industry representatives and with DEFRA and the other Devolved Administrations to explore options.

Many horticulture businesses producing and selling spring bedding plants, cut flowers and ornamentals rely on sales at this time of year through Garden Centres, DIY stores and other outlets that are currently closed. There is a narrow window for sales and a short shelf life for the product with 60% of annual sales occurring in spring. These businesses face huge financial loss.

Position - Minister Poots has asked for Executive colleagues to consider how sales of such produce could be facilitated in line with social distancing guidelines.

As with private sector workers, there is concern that a shortage of workers in key roles within Government/Agencies with statutory inspection roles to protect public health, could lead to a slow down or halt in processing capacity. This would limit not only the amount of product available but also have knock on effects at farm level, e.g. animal welfare issues due to build-up of livestock or non-collection of milk.

Position – DAERA are reprioritising workstreams in light of the pressures created by Covid 19.

NI livestock markets took the decision to shut (initially for 2 weeks) in an attempt to raise the importance of social distancing among farmers. This followed continued high numbers of farmers attending markets despite warnings and pleas from farming unions. Other means of sale will be explored including virtual sales, buyer only markets and specialist sales.

Position - DAERA are working with the markets to ensure livestock movements can be facilitated by a combination of Aphis on-line and telephony services. Markets have developed protocols in conjunction with DAERA and HSE and plan to introduce a range of virtual and speciality buyer-only sales in coming weeks as a pilot exercise. The process of returning to normal sales will be a gradual one in line with government guidance.

College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)

Education programmes at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) are continuing with remote delivery of learning materials and currently all students are actively engaging with college lecturing staff to ensure the academic year is completed and students achieve their qualifications.

CAFRE Knowledge Advisory Service Advisers and Technologists are available to provide   advisory support to the Northern Ireland Agri-Food industry to assist farmers and food businesses with technical, business and environmental advice during the COVID-19 crisis.

CAFRE have recently launched the European Innovation Partnerships (EIP) scheme which is designed to help farmers work collaboratively with experts to address the practical issues or opportunities they are facing on their farms. The scheme is currently open for applications until Monday 27 April 2020.

Arrangements have been agreed to facilitate the use of CAFRE’s residential facilities by the Department of Health as part of their contingency planning with a number of health workers already using Enniskillen and Greenmount Campuses for overnight accommodation.

CAFRE have made available over 20,000 coveralls and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the Health and Social Care Trusts and colleagues in Veterinary Service Animal Health Group some of which have already been collected.

Rural Development Programme

Officials are assessing the impacts of Covid-19 on Rural Development Programme schemes and considering advice from the European Commission. The DAERA website will be updated regularly. In the meantime, applications can continue to be made subject to individual scheme deadlines

Central Services and Contingency Planning Group

CSCPG input is provided in the questions section below and there will be a separate budget report to the Committee.

Veterinary Service & Animal Health Group

Delivery of official controls 

The delivery of official controls at slaughter houses including ante and post mortem inspections and verification of compliance with animal, health and welfare requirements continues.

In agreement with FSA NI and in consultation with industry, it has been necessary to suspend inspections of specified risk material, unannounced inspections and audits of food businesses until the end of June 2020.

Work is ongoing to introduce Private Veterinary Practitioners into Food Businesses to assist with meat inspection. 

While routine food and feed inspections have paused, essential sampling work including raw milk and eggs for the National Residue Control Plan and C1 cereal seed for certification continues ensuring that Public Health guidance on COVID-19 is followed.

It should be noted that the pausing of routine official control inspections will impact over time on meeting target risk based delivery of official controls. To mitigate, alternative methods to deliver checks on compliance with legislation are being developed in consultation with industry and the FSA.

Bovine TB Programme: 

On 30^th March 2020, the Minister announced that, in general, bTB testing should not take place except in exceptional circumstances, which are based upon the primacy of public health requirements.  DAERA’s view is that most tests will not be able to be conducted in line with Public Health Agency guidance but there may be individual exceptions where the vet and herd keeper are absolutely satisfied that the Public Health Agency guidance can be observed for each and every animal presented.

On 9^th April 2020, the Minister announced that herd restrictions would not come into effect until 35 days after a test has become overdue.  This is an extension of 28 days from the existing grace period of 7 days and is intended to help those herds that are not currently under a TB restriction to continue to trade as normally as possible during these difficult times.  Once a herd restriction is applied, in exceptional circumstances, farmers may apply to DAERA for a licence to move cattle off the holding. A licence is not currently required for moves directly to slaughter.

Until further advised, keepers will not be referred to the paying agency for overdue TB tests if they and/or their PVP advise DAERA that the test could not be completed during the testing window for reasons associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The position with regard to TB testing throughout the UK is being kept under review as the situation develops.

DAERA Epidemiological Support to PHA

DAERA wish to provide assistance to our health sector colleagues, where possible, to mobilise our collective resources to best effect in the response to COVID 19.  DAERA is therefore, in principle, happy to cooperate with, and provide assistance to the PHA to support epidemiological studies related to the COVID 19 Pandemic in Northern Ireland.  DAERA support will take the form of specialist epidemiological and supporting resources to work with our PHA partners to conceptualise, operationalise and communicate a specific pre-agreed area of study.  DAERA resource will require close working with PHA experts in order to agree methodologies and remove any logistical barriers in order to complete and communicate the findings in due course.  The Veterinary team will report via PHA & DAERA governance and reporting structures.  The proposal is being considered by the CMO on April 10th 2020.

Trade Export Certification

With the assistance and flexibility of staff, certification for third country exports, live animal and raw milk exports to the EU and import licensing continues as normal.  Work continues with DEFRA and FSA colleagues to determine the implication for EU and third country exports, in relation to potential derogations from official controls, and to ensure NI interests are considered.

Import Controls

Essential official imports controls at NI ports continue to be delivered to ensure that disease risks from imported goods, animals and plant material are minimized.  The significant reduction in domestic and international flights has permitted an increased focus on the risk of disease from parcels imported from overseas.

Animal Movements / Welfare

Ongoing engagement with key stakeholders from markets, UFU and meat processors to maintain the flow of live animal movement in the absence of normally functioning markets, and develop protocols for re-opening selected markets in controlled and legally compliant manner. 

Update on Essential Legislation

Work on essential legislation is continuing at present, however, at a slower pace given the diversion of resource to COVID related work. This diversion, along with potential for additional COVID related absences, means that there is a risk that the legislation may not be completed within the required timescales and/or to standard.

Update on Essential Finance or Budget information

Queries received from companion animal orientated businesses on designation as an ‘essential business’

The Department has received two queries, seeking clarification if a dog grooming operation can be designated as an essential business, and therefore, have latitude to be excluded from restrictions arising from the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020. It is not within the Department’s gift to provide specific guidance to individual businesses.  The Department has signposted businesses to the information provided by the Northern Ireland Executive on NI Direct and nibusiness.info