DAERA seeks views on Northern Ireland Protein Crops Payment Pilot Scheme for 2021

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) today launched a period of consultation on a proposal to introduce a protein crops payment pilot scheme in Northern Ireland.

Stakeholders are asked for their views on the proposal to introduce a Protein Crops Payment Pilot Scheme to help shape the debate in future support arrangements for NI now that the United Kingdom (UK) has left the European Union (EU) and the Common Agricultural Policy no longer applies in Northern Ireland.

Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Edwin Poots MLA said: “I intend to introduce for 2021 a protein crop scheme for growing combinable beans, peas and sweet lupins. Those crops will create a domestically produced source of protein for animal feed and provide agronomic benefits within arable rotations. I intend to introduce it for 2021 on a pilot basis and then refine the approach for subsequent years to maximise the economic and environmental benefits.

“I would encourage all those with an interest to read the proposal document and to forward their views by 15 January 2021.”

The Northern Ireland Coupled Support for Protein Crops document is on the DAERA website.

Notes to editors: 

1. Follow DAERA on Twitter and Facebook
2.  All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office
3. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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