Blog: Calling for change – a better farming future in Northern Ireland
7th November 2018
By Phil Carson, Nature Matters NI
Recently the Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) outlined their proposals for the future of agriculture policy in Northern Ireland. This follows similar moves by England, Scotland and Wales to create domestic forms of farm support as the UK prepares to move away from the EU and its associated Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
At Nature Matters we believe that we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to design a better farming system, that works for farmers, the public and the environment to produce food in a way which restores the environment. The status quo delivered by the CAP is unfit for purpose. Species are on the brink and our soils, water and air are suffering too. For farming to have a future, we must develop and implement a new system that serves to enhance, rather than degrade our environment in the production of food. The need for change is both pressing and urgent; we must act now.
Many have joined us in this call for change. Over 1200 people responded to DAERA’s stakeholder engagement pressing government to create a sustainable farming policy here, outlining their support for a system with environmental protection and restoration at its core. We have also partnered with a range of different farmers and food producers who want a new system that better supports them to produce food in a way which restores nature. This culminated in a trip to Stormont, where members from the eNGO community, joined farmers, growers and producers in outlining their visions for the future.
Although DAERA’s stakeholder engagement has just closed, this is merely the first step. We will continue to work in partnership to ensure that nature and farming have a future in Northern Ireland.
Image Credit: Aiken PR
More Blogs from Nature Matters NI…
Nature Matters – Why we need a new farming policy for Northern Ireland
Nature Matters – Public Goods can help keep farmers farming
Making Brexit work for the environment in Northern Ireland
Farmer’s view: A sustainable agricultural system brings huge benefits
Environmentally Friendly Agriculture Policy Proposed in England – but what about Northern Ireland?
