25/10/2023

Farming Community Urged To Identify Future Investment Needs

Northern Ireland's farming community has been urged to help identify future investment needs for farms.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) 'Attitude to Investment' survey, which goes live on Friday, 27 October, will help gauge the readiness of primary producers with an agricultural or horticultural business in Northern Ireland to invest in new capital equipment and infrastructure in the short to medium term, while seeking information on challenges and barriers across different sectors and sizes of farms.

Alison Chambers, DAERA's Director of Sustainable Agri-food Development said: "There are a number of challenges facing the industry, both in terms of farm productivity and environmental performance. It is essential that we have sound information to develop the shape of new support measures to help address these issues.

"The new Capital Investment Measures will help farm businesses to improve business efficiency and environmental performance. In particular, support will be focused on assisting the industry to meet Net Zero targets to incentivise investment in carbon reduction technology and to invest in equipment to support low carbon farming."

Alison added: "Therefore I would encourage all agricultural and horticultural producers in Northern Ireland to complete this survey."

The survey is completely anonymous, and information gathered will only be used to inform the development of Capital Investment Measures under the new Farm Support and Development programme.

Farmers and growers are encouraged to complete the survey which is available from Friday 27th October on the DAERA website. The closing date for survey responses is Friday 17th November.

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

23 August 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.
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.
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.
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.
01 December 2014
Man Killed In Farming Incident
A man has died in a farming accident in Co Fermanagh. The victim, 71, is thought to have been attacked by cattle on his farm near Ballinamallard. The incident happened over the weekend. An investigation is now being carried out by the Health and Safety Executive.