Debate contribution: Apple Growing, County Armagh

Debate contribution by Mr Justin McNulty on 2 December 2025.

MLA: Mr Justin McNulty
Party at the time: Social Democratic and Labour Party
Date: 2 December 2025
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Apple Growing, County Armagh
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5271921

Text

I thank the Minister for his answer. Minister, that was all, "Blah, blah, blah". You talk about all that, but we see our orchards being ripped up and grubbed out. That happens monthly across our "Orchard County". Despite Ireland being ideal for orchards, 90% of apples here are imported. The benefits of supporting the apple industry are enormous, environmentally, culturally and economically. What are you doing specifically to support the apple industry, especially in our "Orchard County"? Does the Minister see the merit, economically and environmentally, to the apple industry and producer organisations of supporting and promoting producer organisations such as those associated with NI horticulture? Minister, how do you like them apples?

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

Part of an exchange

This follow-up belongs to: Oral question AQO 2804/22-27.

Assessment

Not analysed

This is the same MLA’s follow-up within the exchange on their own question. It is analysed together with that question and is not counted separately, so one question is never counted twice.

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