Poots asks for comments on Future Agricultural Policy proposals for Northern Ireland

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots has urged people to respond to one of the most significant agricultural consultations in the last 50 years.

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots MLA

The Future Agricultural Policy proposals for Northern Ireland were launched for public consultation on 21 December 2021.

Speaking about the consultation, the Minister said: “This is a pivotal moment in our agricultural history and we have a once in a generation opportunity to forge our own path. The proposals provide a vision for a future agricultural regime that promotes productive, efficient practices through greater innovation and capacity, whilst protecting the environment, animal health and welfare and public health.  It is the first time in around 50 years that we have had the freedom to draft policies that take into account Northern Ireland’s unique landscape, history and industry, and ensure that we have the right strategies in place to meet the changing and challenging needs of all our stakeholders.

“We can only make this transition this by working together in the co-development and design of new measures and interventions which better address the needs of Northern Ireland agriculture, the environment and rural communities.”

Consideration of the main issues, policy proposals and design principles is provided in the Future Agricultural Policy Proposals for Northern Ireland consultation document, which can be viewed at this link: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-future-agricultural-policy-proposals-northern-ireland and views are sought through a series of questions.

DAERA officials are currently hosting a number of information sessions during this 8 week consultation period.

The next information sessions will be:

• 20 January, 7pm-8pm
• 28 January, 2pm-3pm
• 02 February, 10am-11am

Please register here if you wish to attend. 

Minister Poots concluded by urging everyone with an interest to respond to the consultation: “The public consultation is open until 15 February 2022. Views are welcome from all sectors, age-groups, organisations and individuals. We want to hear from people with an interest in agriculture, the environment, rural affairs or food production.  Consultation responses will be used to inform the development of agricultural policy to develop a future sustainable agricultural industry.”

Responses to be submitted through Citizen Space will help shape future support measures and pave the way to a tailored agricultural policy that best meets the needs of Northern Ireland.

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 hour’s service for media enquiries only 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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