Debate contribution: Sustainable Agriculture Programme: Small Farms

Debate contribution by Mr Declan McAleer on 20 October 2026.

MLA: Mr Declan McAleer
Party at the time: Sinn Féin
Date: 20 October 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Sustainable Agriculture Programme: Small Farms
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5798612

Text

Thank you, Minister, for your response. During the evidence-gathering session with witnesses at the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs on the Areas with Natural Constraints (Payments) Bill, which I sponsor, many witnesses have said that small farmers, particularly in areas of natural constraint (ANC), find it challenging to access agri-environment schemes because of the financial outlay to begin with. Furthermore, the quality of the land and the stocking density mean that they cannot make the most of, for example, the protein crop or beef carbon schemes that they pay for out of their single farm payment. Do you agree that small farms, particularly those in ANC areas, are in some ways falling through the gaps in the sustainable agriculture policy and are in need of additional support?

129 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Part of an exchange

This follow-up belongs to: Oral question AQO 4145/22-27.

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