Menu
23/08/2024
DAERA Minister Commits To New 'Farming with Nature Package'
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has committed to the development of a new 'Farming with Nature Package', during a visit to see first hand what Nature Friendly Farming looks like in practice in Northern Ireland.
The Minister visited the beef farm of the Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) Chairman Stephen Alexander near Orlock Point in Groomsport, Co Down. Mr Alexander's regenerative farming practices show the role that livestock can play in delivering key environmental objectives while producing high quality food.
Minister Muir said: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to visit Stephen's farm today to see nature friendly farming practices at first-hand. It is inspiring to see such a good example of how farms can introduce innovative ideas and still produce award winning livestock.
"Agriculture has a significant role economically, socially, culturally and environmentally. Therefore, it is important that the sustainable development of our industry and our food production is supported appropriately in a sustainable way."
In addition to the Department's Soil Nutrient Health Scheme and the Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme which are already in operation, the Minister also outlined new plans in this area under the Farm Support and Development Programme.
The Minister said: "The Farming with Nature Package is one of my key priorities and forms part of the programme of change being progressed through the Farm Support and Development Programme. Schemes under the package aim to contribute to the delivery of many of my Department's strategic environmental outcomes by supporting farmers and land managers to make substantial contributions to environmental improvements and sustainability, with an initial focus on habitats on the farmed land across Northern Ireland.
"I hope to launch a limited first phase of the new scheme in 2025 and development of the scheme will continue with further expansion from 2026 onwards."
The Minister visited the beef farm of the Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) Chairman Stephen Alexander near Orlock Point in Groomsport, Co Down. Mr Alexander's regenerative farming practices show the role that livestock can play in delivering key environmental objectives while producing high quality food.
Minister Muir said: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to visit Stephen's farm today to see nature friendly farming practices at first-hand. It is inspiring to see such a good example of how farms can introduce innovative ideas and still produce award winning livestock.
In addition to the Department's Soil Nutrient Health Scheme and the Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme which are already in operation, the Minister also outlined new plans in this area under the Farm Support and Development Programme.
The Minister said: "The Farming with Nature Package is one of my key priorities and forms part of the programme of change being progressed through the Farm Support and Development Programme. Schemes under the package aim to contribute to the delivery of many of my Department's strategic environmental outcomes by supporting farmers and land managers to make substantial contributions to environmental improvements and sustainability, with an initial focus on habitats on the farmed land across Northern Ireland.
"I hope to launch a limited first phase of the new scheme in 2025 and development of the scheme will continue with further expansion from 2026 onwards."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
08 December 2021
New £14m Funding Package Announced To Develop Environment Projects
Minister for the Environment Edwin Poots has announced a new £14 million funding package to assist farmers develop new environment projects. Under the fifth round of DAERA's Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS), successful applicants can expect to receive their online offer of an agreement in the next couple of weeks.
New £14m Funding Package Announced To Develop Environment Projects
Minister for the Environment Edwin Poots has announced a new £14 million funding package to assist farmers develop new environment projects. Under the fifth round of DAERA's Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS), successful applicants can expect to receive their online offer of an agreement in the next couple of weeks.
24 March 2022
£6m Allocated To Environmental Farming Scheme
Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has announced the allocation of £6 million for the Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS). Making the announcement, Minister Poots said: "I am delighted to confirm that we have processed 92% of all EFS Wider and Higher 2021 claims and where a payment is due to these businesses they have been made.
£6m Allocated To Environmental Farming Scheme
Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has announced the allocation of £6 million for the Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS). Making the announcement, Minister Poots said: "I am delighted to confirm that we have processed 92% of all EFS Wider and Higher 2021 claims and where a payment is due to these businesses they have been made.
27 August 2021
Minister 'Takes To The Waves' To See Work Of RSPB
Edwin Poots has "taken to the waves" for a visit to Lower Lough Erne to see the work of the RSPB to enhance breeding habitats on a number of islands. Speaking after the visits, the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister, said: "Any action to help our declining populations of breeding waders, especially curlew, has to be welcomed.
Minister 'Takes To The Waves' To See Work Of RSPB
Edwin Poots has "taken to the waves" for a visit to Lower Lough Erne to see the work of the RSPB to enhance breeding habitats on a number of islands. Speaking after the visits, the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister, said: "Any action to help our declining populations of breeding waders, especially curlew, has to be welcomed.
17 May 2024
Balmoral Show 'Highlight Of The Farming Year'
The Balmoral Show has been described as the "highlight of the farming year", by First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly. Around 110,000 people are expected to visit during the four-days of the Show.
Balmoral Show 'Highlight Of The Farming Year'
The Balmoral Show has been described as the "highlight of the farming year", by First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly. Around 110,000 people are expected to visit during the four-days of the Show.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
