The new Sustainable Agriculture Programme is being co-designed with the Northern Ireland agricultural industry and other key stakeholders. The overall aim is to transition to a more sustainable farming sector by seeking to implement policies and strategies that benefit our climate and environment while, supporting our economically and socially significant agri-food sector. Through striving to achieve its four outcomes of improved environmental sustainability, enhanced productivity, stronger resilience and an effective functioning supply chain, this Programme will have a role in the delivery of the Minister’s key priorities. Importantly the schemes, measures and actions being introduced will be essential levers in contributing to statutory obligations under the Climate Change Act (NI) 2022 and achieving a genuinely Just Transition. Delivery of the Sustainable Agriculture Programme will be essential in addressing ammonia and phosphorus related issues and incentivising and enabling actions to ensure environmental sustainability in Northern Ireland by contributing to water and air quality, soil health and biodiversity. The Programme will also secure sustainable productivity within Northern Ireland agriculture and assisting the development of effective functioning supply chains ensuring food security and high standards of disease control, public and animal health.
The Programme is being introduced in a phased manner over the coming months and years with a firm focus on genuine just transition and will provide options for all farm businesses in Northern Ireland.
You can download the Sustainable Agricultural Programme Overview Timeline from this page or see a graphic showing the timeline below:

Information current at the time of posting and may be subject to change as policy develops. Please continue to check back regularly for updates.
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