Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir has promised “relentless efforts” to work in collaboration with the agriculture industry to create a sustainable sector for future generations.
Speaking at the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) and Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster conference this week, the minister said that while farming is going through “challenging times”.
The conference included workshops and discussions around emerging techniques and sustainable practices, as well as panel discussions on the opportunities and challenges facing agriculture in the future.
Minister Muir told attendees that work is ongoing to implement new support schemes and development programmes to find new opportunities for the sector.
“The overall objective is to transition to a more sustainable farming sector by implementing policies and strategies that benefit our climate and environment, whilst at the same time supporting our economically and socially significant agri-food sector,” the minister said.
He said that the policies under development are “evidence-led” with a firm focus on data to help with decision making.
“These initiatives will also deliver on securing sustainable productivity within Northern Ireland agriculture and help to support food security and high standards of disease control, public and animal health,” Minister said.
The minister also spoke about improving water quality Lough Neagh at the conference, which is responsible for 40.7% of Northern Ireland’s supply of drinking water.
The extent of the lake’s deterioration was flagged last year when blooms of blue-green algae propagated large portions of the lake during the summer.
“The issues of improving water quality are tough, I don’t shy away from them because we owe it both to communities around Lough Neagh and farmers of tomorrow to take the actions today to give a strong and sustainable future upon which success can be assured,” Minister Muir said.
The minister said that Northern Ireland can become an “exemplar in achieving” a sustainable and resilient agri-food sector by continuing “relentless efforts in engaging with others to face change and find opportunities together”.