Debate contribution: Programme for Government 2024-27

Debate contribution by Mr Declan McAleer on 3 March 2025.

MLA

Mr Declan McAleer

Party at the time

Sinn Féin

Date

3 March 2025

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Executive Committee Business

Heading

Programme for Government 2024-27

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 4826238

Read the official Assembly record

Text

The Executive's Programme for Government rightly focuses on economic growth, sustainability and regional balance. I welcome its publication, as it outlines a framework for the future in which farmers and food producers should and must remain central to those ambitions. Our rural economy depends on agriculture, which supports thousands of jobs, from family farms to food processors and supply chains. The Programme for Government recognises the importance of regional economic development, but recent inheritance tax announcements by the British Government highlight ongoing inequalities. While tax cuts benefit the wealthiest in Britain, farming families here face an unfair burden when passing land to the next generation. Those inequalities must be addressed to create a thriving agriculture sector here. To support farmers, investment in rural businesses, agri-tech innovation and infrastructure must be a priority. Investment in broadband, transport links and energy security is also essential to ensure that rural communities remain connected and resilient amid global challenges. Brexit has created uncertainty for our family farms, and the removal of a ring-fenced budget for agriculture and rural affairs has deepened that instability. One of our most vital industries now faces a lack of financial security, making it difficult for farmers to plan ahead. We cannot allow agriculture to become a casualty of poor decisions that, in many cases, as with inheritance tax and Brexit, are in opposition to the wishes of people here. The Programme for Government must work to ensure that the sector is given the stability that it needs. We must also address the ongoing challenge of bovine TB. Farmers have been waiting too long for a comprehensive strategy that balances disease control, animal welfare and economic sustainability. The Programme for Government commits to prioritising eradication policies, but we urgently need to see meaningful action. Sinn Féin is seriously concerned about the lack of progress on a new rural policy. Rural communities and services have suffered greatly through lack of investment since we were forced to leave the EU rural development programme (RDP). The AERA Committee recently heard at first hand the impact that that is having when it held its meeting with rural stakeholders in Loughry college in Cookstown. I call on the AERA Minister to engage with Executive colleagues, rural communities and stakeholders to bring forward a replacement rural development programme at the earliest opportunity. The Programme for Government also recognises the importance of environmental sustainability. I welcome the fact that Lough Neagh is listed as a key priority. Farmers play a critical role in helping the North to meet its environmental and climate targets. There must be strong partnership with farmers, backed by practical investment. That means supporting sustainable farming to strengthen food security, protect the environment and maintain soil health. Farmers need better incentives for carbon sequestration and biodiversity initiatives, along with targeted funding to help them transition to sustainable practices without compromising food production. Clear and fair policies on ammonia controls are also crucial, allowing farmers to upgrade or replace infrastructure while maintaining a competitive agriculture sector. Our agri-food sector is world class, yet food producers face rising input costs, supply chain disruptions and changing market demands. The agri-food investment initiative is a step in the right direction. It offers support to innovate, boost productivity and reduce carbon emissions. However, funding must be accessible, practical and tailored to the real needs of producers. A significant success is the achievement of the all-island protected geographical indication (PGI) status for grass-fed cattle. That designation, as it does for Parma ham, for example, enhances the reputation of our beef, strengthens market opportunities and boosts consumer confidence in its quality and traceability. The Programme for Government also commits to a just transition for agriculture and the establishment of a just transition fund. Rural communities cannot be left behind in the transition to a greener economy. A just transition must deliver benefits to farmers and rural areas, ensuring that they are supported through that transformation. The Programme for Government lays a foundation for agriculture, the environment and rural affairs. We need action and a commitment to real, sustainable change for our farmers, rural communities and the environment. Now is the time for a clear, practical approach to securing the future of our rural communities.

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

Assessment

Not flagged

Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 12:07 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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