Andrew Muir
North Down · Alliance Party · Northern Ireland
“Thank you very much, Mr Deputy Speaker. As Minister, I am grateful to the Chair of the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee and to Members from all sides of the Chamber for their consideration of the Bill and their contributions to the debate, which have been valuable and useful.”
“I will write to you with regard to your query. <BR /> <BR />The other issue, as I said, is reporting pollution incidents so that they can be effectively investigated. There is a duty on everyone to do that promptly.”
“Aquaculture provides real economic opportunities, and the Bill will help ensure that those opportunities are realised responsibly without compromising the environment. Importantly, the Bill includes transitional provisions so that existing licences can continue seamlessly as aquaculture licences, with their conditions unchanged.”
“That is not about being punitive for its own sake; it is about ensuring that the legal framework reflects the true value of our natural resources and the importance of protecting them for future generations.”
“<BR /> <BR />On strengthening the regulation of inland waters, the Bill modernises long-standing powers under the Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966, ensuring that they are fit for today's environmental and industry challenges. That matters because fisheries management today goes far beyond simply catching fish.”
“<BR /> <BR />A full regulatory impact assessment of the financial impact has been completed. It concluded that the Bill does not introduce significant new financial burdens and that any costs are outweighed by the long-term benefits.”
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“Most recently, along with the First Minister, the deputy First Minister and the Finance Minister, I issued a letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 12 November, urging her to reconsider her approach to inheritance tax during the Budget process and asking that she give serious consideration to raising the agriculture and business property reliefs threshold from £1 million to £5 million and to making the allowance transferable between spouses. While it is a step in the right direction that the £1 million threshold will now be transferable between spouses and civil partners, that does not go far enough in protecting family farms. An analysis from my Department shows that a quarter of farms, accounting for 58% of the area farmed, have agriculture and business property values exceeding £2 million and will still be affected.”
“I have written to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to highlight my concerns about the impact of limiting agriculture and business property reliefs pertaining to inheritance tax to £1 million on family farms and succession planning. I have put forward alternative mechanisms for consideration, including a clawback option with similarities to the relief available to farmers for capital acquisitions tax in the Republic of Ireland.”
“I am conscious of the concerns about that and the risks to infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Detailed and robust modelling work and scientific analysis is being done on where we are going in that regard. That helps to give us evidence for where we should intervene. Work is also being undertaken to explore any potential legislation on this. I am conscious that there is no lead Department with responsibility for this. In addition, I will send a climate adaptation plan to the Executive for agreement. It is important that we take action in the wide range of areas that are of concern to people in Northern Ireland, particularly in relation to your constituency.”
“For those who want more information on the coastal forum, the minutes and detailed work programme will be published on the Northern Ireland Coastal Observatory website.”
“My Department consulted on the review of the Northern Ireland marine protected areas strategy in 2024 and has now produced an updated MPA strategy for 2025-2030. The strategy sets out the priorities for the next five years and will focus on ensuring that MPAs are managed effectively. My Department has recently received very encouraging updates from a pilot project at Strangford lough that demonstrates how damaged seagrass habitats can be restored using eco moorings. The updated strategy and synopsis of consultation responses have been shared with the AERA Committee. I intend to publish the strategy in January 2026.”
“That will provide an opportunity to set priorities for the next five years and consider new work areas, such as the potential role of blue carbon habitats as nature-based solutions for coastal resilience.”
“In particular, the coastal change information tool provides scientific interpretation of historical coastal change patterns and offers insights into how our coastline may respond to future challenges, such as sea-level rise and climate change. <BR /> <BR />The coastal forum was provided with an update from Ulster University and the National Trust on how €9·6 million from the PEACE PLUS programme will be invested in coastal monitoring and adaptation planning. That funding will ensure that momentum is maintained, and it will provide opportunities for coastal communities to participate in climate change adaptation planning. <BR /> <BR />The coastal forum working group will produce a stocktake report of the current work programme and make recommendations for the 2026-2031 work programme.”
“The coastal forum met on 19 November and provided a valuable opportunity to review progress that has been made on coastal management issues. I co-chaired the meeting with the Minister for Infrastructure. I am pleased to report that there has been significant progress in delivering the agreed work programme. <BR /> <BR />A major achievement is the high-quality evidence base that is available from the Northern Ireland Coastal Observatory. That milestone follows investment of approximately £2·5 million by my Department and provides a platform that can be used for future policy development and decision-making.”
“<BR /> <BR />The horticulture pilot scheme comprises three sub-schemes: the sustainable sector growth groups pilot scheme; the growers' training and support pilot scheme; and the innovation driver and support pilot scheme. Applications for the sustainable sector growth groups pilot scheme and the growers' training and support pilot scheme are now open. Applications for the innovation driver and support pilot scheme will open next year. The sustainable farming investment scheme will provide financial support for the equipment and technology required by those in the industry. In addition, other wider schemes are available, such as Farming with Nature. I know that there is quite a lot of detail there. If people want more information, it is available on the departmental website.”
“Thank you, Danny. It is really important that I outline what we are doing through the sustainable agriculture programme, because the horticulture sector is an important part of our wider agri-food industry, and I am keen to support it. The Department's sustainable agriculture programme provides options for all farm businesses in Northern Ireland, including horticulture businesses, to secure and improve their viability and environmental sustainability. The horticulture pilot scheme aims to increase cooperation, investment and growers' capabilities. It should be of real and practical benefit. I strongly encourage growers to consider applying.”
“I am very conscious of the infrastructure that is required for the apple industry. We will roll out the sustainable farming investment scheme next year. That will provide support for required equipment. I am happy to engage with officials on whether cold stores are within the scope of that scheme or whether we could work with the Department for the Economy on that matter. I understand how proud we all are, particularly those of us who, like you, represent the "Orchard County". We want to be able to support the industry in the time ahead through practical measures, such as the one that you described.”
“Thank you, Cathal. I am very proud of our PGI status, and it is important that we continue to support it. We have a range schemes in place already. As I outlined, there are also horticulture pilot schemes to support the industry. If there are any other specific suggestions that people want me to take forward, I am happy to listen and engage. If you want me to meet some producers and processors in your constituency, I would be delighted to do so.”
“I provided a detailed response to your original question, in which I outlined the schemes that are available to the horticulture sector, particularly in relation to apple growing. I have been down to visit producers and processors in Armagh. My Department is committed to supporting them. We should be very proud that we have that industry. I am happy to meet you, Justin, if you would like to go through some of the specific issues that are of concern to you. It is important that we support all the agriculture sector in Northern Ireland, which my Department is doing.”
“In addition, schemes such as the farm sustainability payment, the Farming with Nature package, Farming for the Generations and the supply chain scheme are available to apple growers.”
“<BR /> <BR />My Department's sustainable agriculture programme provides options for all farm businesses in Northern Ireland, including apple growers, to secure and improve viability and environmental sustainability. The sustainable agriculture programme encompasses a wide range of schemes that will be available to apple growers in County Armagh. The horticulture pilot scheme comprises three sub-schemes: the sustainable sector growth groups pilot scheme, the growers' training and support pilot scheme and the innovation driver and support pilot scheme. The horticulture pilot scheme aims to increase cooperation, investment and growers' capabilities. The sustainable farming investment scheme will provide financial support for equipment and technology to improve environmental performance and business efficiency.”
“I am aware of the importance of the apple-growing industry in County Armagh and the positive impact that it delivers to the economy, the environment and the biodiversity of the region. I have seen that for myself, both as Minister and before I took up the role. The draft green growth strategy sets out our long-term vision and framework for a future in which Northern Ireland has transitioned from a high emissions society to a net zero emissions society and in which we can enjoy the longer-term economic, social, health and environmental benefits that that will bring. Growing the horticulture sector is vital to achieving that vision and a sustainable Northern Irish agri-food sector.”
“It is important that we work together on this and understand that it is a complex problem. Collectively, we must deliver the blueprint, and I am committed to doing that.”
“The cost is unsustainable for my Department, and, most importantly, for the farming community. Whilst we cover 100% compensation for this, I fully recognise that that does not reflect the full cost to the farming community in Northern Ireland as a result of a herd breakdown and TB. <BR /> <BR />I am conscious of a previous wildlife intervention having gone to judicial review in October 2023 and of that judicial review being successful. We need to learn from that and proceed in a way that is robust and enables us to deliver for people around those three pillars. That means delivering on wildlife, but also on people and cattle. I have put resources, by way of officials, on this, as well as the Department putting money into compensation and additional testing.”
“It also includes a wildlife measure: a two-year test, vaccinate and remove programme across the area.”
“I am grateful to my Irish Government colleagues for working with me on that pilot, particularly the Taoiseach's office where the Shared Island funding for it is concerned. It is a regionalised approach that, as I said, has proven to be successful in other parts of the world. It is informed by the three pillars, particularly that on people, giving farmers practical biosecurity advice. Education and knowledge sharing will be a key part of the plan. It is also about those biosecurity measures that we can put in place, so several cattle-related measures will be considered, potentially on a voluntary basis, but we are looking to work with people on that. That will include testing all herds every six months, particularly in relation to risk-based trading, and considering what more we can do to assist farmers in that area.”
“As I outlined in my previous answer, I am serious about the issue. We have three pillars: people; cattle; and wildlife. I have been clear previously and will be clear again today about the need for a wildlife intervention option, but it is important that that is done correctly. That is why we will consult on it in the spring of next year. A regionalised approach has been proven to be successful in other parts of Europe, and we are pursuing that as well. I am doing all that I can on this issue, which is challenging. I speak to many farmers who tell me that it has been an issue for many decades, and we are seeking to work together to address it.”
“Officials in my Department are actively engaging with stakeholders on that.”
“I am acutely aware of the devastating impact that bovine TB is having on our farm families in Northern Ireland. That is why we set up the partnership group and designed the blueprint that we seek to deliver. It is based on three pillars: people; cattle; and wildlife. By making a collective effort in those three areas, we can move forward and reduce TB in Northern Ireland. We must do that, and we owe it to the farming community in Northern Ireland to achieve it. Wildlife intervention is a key part of that plan, which is why we will consult on wildlife intervention options in the spring of next year. It is important that we do that correctly. Alongside that, we are already working to increase testing and advise farmers on biosecurity. We have to work together on that, which I am committed to doing.”
“The options are expected to include the two that are in the Member's question; however, no decision has been made, given that advice on the matter has not yet been finalised. It is expected that final advice on the best legislative route for wildlife intervention will be presented for my consideration in advance of a wildlife intervention consultation being undertaken in the spring.”
“I was pleased to establish earlier this year a new stakeholder body, the TB partnership steering group, to help us address the challenges of getting bovine TB under control in Northern Ireland. That work led to the group's blueprint for eradication, which I endorsed and published in April this year. New departmental structures are now in place to implement the blueprint, and initial work is focused on five key areas, including preparations for a new consultation on the full range of potential wildlife intervention options that are available. The officials who are preparing the public consultation are exploring all legislative avenues that may form the basis of a future decision on wildlife interventions to ensure that they will be robust in the face of any future legal challenge.”
“On the issue of ammonia, we are, hopefully, acknowledging that it is complex and that we need to remain on the right side of the law. I have had sustained engagement with officials on that. There is a desire to look at whether we can give more advice to people, because they have to navigate the system. I acknowledge your point on that.”
“We must address the issues that are in front of us, and we must do that together. I am committed to doing that.”
“The 2022 Act has measures relating to carbon leakage, and I support those. I continue to seek Executive agreement to bring forward regulations to establish a just transition commission that will provide advice and hold all Departments, including mine, to account by ensuring that we have a just transition principle. That commission will be made up of independent experts and will have representation from the agriculture sector. <BR /> <BR />If the DUP is serious about a just transition for agriculture, I ask it to please stop sitting on those regulations, which have been with the Executive since September. It should agree the paper and let me get on with the job. Holding up tangible ways to safeguard a just and fair transition for agriculture is unreasonable, irrational and disrespectful.”
“I am committed to ensuring that there is a fair and just transition as we work towards reducing our emissions. A key part of that transition will be supporting sectors. I am pleased to have allocated funding to a dedicated just transition fund for agriculture, and I will continue to seek further funding for that. It is not about pitching climate against food production. Farmers are our greatest ally in tackling climate change, and many already play their part and should get credit for that. I have seen at first hand many examples of innovation and positive action and of farmers leading the way. In line with the just transition principles and the 11 objectives set out in the 2022 Act, my role is to help support them to do that, and I will continue to do so.”
“Food security is one of our most immediate and economically significant reasons for maintaining strong climate ambition. Without emissions reductions and climate adaptation, we face a future in which we put our farming community at risk. <BR /> <BR />The amendment to the motion calls for progress towards our emissions reduction targets to be:”
“Take, for example, Sammy Wilson, a man who has said that man-made climate change is a "gigantic con" and a "hysterical semi-religion". Those DUP views talk down the UK's role as an international, global leader and show the DUP to be a party that has learned nothing from Brexit and continues to be completely unable to comprehend consequences. Taking action to reduce our emissions is important to protect food production against the ever-worsening impacts of climate change. <BR /> <BR />Alongside mitigation actions, my Department is leading the development of Northern Ireland's third climate change adaptation programme. The programme contains over 280 actions across all Departments, including 28 actions focused on building resilience to the impacts of climate change on our food supply system.”
“My focus remains on continuing to implement our existing legislative commitments, which were agreed by the Assembly. It is important that we provide our businesses and investors with certainty and confidence whilst ensuring that Northern Ireland realises the benefits associated with decarbonisation in a fair and balanced manner. <BR /> <BR />We have seen at first hand the impact that severe weather events such as flooding and storms can have on our businesses, communities and environment. Just over a month ago, we debated a motion calling on the First Minister and deputy First Minister to strengthen infrastructure and emergency response systems due to concerns about the impact of the increasing frequency and severity of storms. As we all know, the DUP has a long history of climate scepticism and denial of science.”
“Look at all the businesses that have signed up to the Business in the Community climate action pledge: companies such as APB Food Group, Almac, Belfast Harbour Commissioners, Danske Bank, Encirc, the Galgorm Group, GRAHAM, the Henry Group, Hughes Insurance, Northern Ireland Water, Translink, Wrightbus and more. They are leading the way, and I am determined that Northern Ireland will not be left as a laggard yet again, dragging our heels and refusing to grasp the real benefits of decarbonisation in creating the good, green jobs that the people of Northern Ireland deserve. <BR /> <BR />For the avoidance of doubt on the matter, I will not consider or bring forward proposals to reduce the 2030 or 2040 emissions reduction targets.”
“The issue on which DAERA was acting unlawfully was rectified towards the end of 2023, after the OEP initiated legal action against the Department. The immense challenge is to reduce emissions whilst dealing with practical issues such replacement sheds. I am committed to finding a lawful way forward, and I look forward to a key meeting with stakeholders in the next few weeks, when we can hopefully set out a pathway ahead. <BR /> <BR />I will move on to the call for me to urgently bring proposals to the Executive to reduce Northern Ireland's interim 2030 and 2040 emissions reduction targets and the nonsensical idea that those are aspirational goals. They are not; they are legal obligations, democratically set by the House. As ever, on the issue of climate action, the DUP is out of step with the world of business, just as it was on Brexit.”
“on ammonia advice. The report states the cold, hard fact that the previous Minister just kept kicking the can down the road:”
“I will continue to work closely with the UK Government, whom I met again last week, and the veterinary medicines working group to ensure that the schemes are governed effectively and deliver the outcomes that we need. <BR /> <BR />In responding to calls for clarity on ammonia controls, it is important that I first set out the context. The report by the Office for Environmental Protection on the issue, published in October 2024, is essential reading. Ammonia levels in Northern Ireland are shockingly high and must be reduced. The OEP report starkly sets it out that DAERA:”
“While veterinary medicines are not under my direction and control, their continued supply has been a key issue for me. Whilst the most recent work by DEFRA and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate suggests that the situation may be less critical than initially feared, I understand the ongoing concerns about product availability. I welcome the introduction by DEFRA and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate of the veterinary medicine internal market scheme and the veterinary medicine health situation scheme from 1 January next year. The schemes are designed to be responsive, adaptable and capable of addressing anticipated and unforeseen supply issues.”
“However, we still require urgent clarity on the extent to which the EU deforestation regulation will apply in Northern Ireland. I have repeatedly asked the UK Government, who lead on the EUDR, to communicate the relevant arrangements as soon as possible.”
“I am pleased to report that negotiations commenced last month on the legal text of that agreement between the UK and the EU. That is a positive step forward. The agreement, once implemented, will provide greater certainty for businesses across the UK and will reduce the need for checks on goods moving between GB and NI. Differences in regulations related to trade will always bring about trade frictions and complications; hence I have been pressing the UK Government to seek the maximum possible dynamic alignment with the EU regulations as part of an agreement that creates practical and sustainable arrangements that can be implemented as soon as possible. <BR /> <BR />The proposed simplifications and one-year delay to the application of the EU deforestation regulation (EUDR) will be welcomed by businesses.”
“Although it is not perfect, it provides the best way forward, short of the UK's rejoining the single market and customs union, which it really should. <BR /> <BR />The Windsor framework and the unique dual market access that Northern Ireland enjoys is a real economic benefit and a safeguard for many in the agri-food sector in Northern Ireland. Without the Windsor framework, the dairy industry, for example, would be sunk. The DUP knows that, but, as ever, it is prepared to play fast and loose with people's jobs. I am not prepared to do that; nor am I prepared to sit back and bemoan some of the issues encountered. That is why getting an agri-food SPS agreement between the UK and the EU has been a priority for me ever since the new UK Government came into power.”
“However, without rhyme or reason, the DUP saw fit to vote against it. I am grateful that others saw sense, and I am glad that we are pushing forward and are able to realise the clear and real benefits for our farmers. <BR /> <BR />In the run-up to the referendum in 2016, many warned about the implications of Brexit, with Northern Ireland's sharing a land border, involving over 200 crossing points, with an EU member state. Indeed, Tony Blair and John Major visited Derry/Londonderry to set out those issues. However, the DUP carelessly ploughed on regardless, mistakenly trusting charlatans such as Boris Johnson, just like it is doing now by putting its faith in Nigel Farage, despite all the warning signs. The Windsor framework is the outworking of Brexit.”
“Through striving to achieve its four outcomes of improved environmental sustainability, enhanced productivity, stronger resilience and an effective, functioning supply chain, the sustainable agriculture programme has an important role in the delivery of DAERA's key priorities. I am extremely proud to be the only devolved Minister in the UK to have secured ring-fenced funding totalling £332 million for agriculture, agri-environment, fishery and rural development, which enables the sustainable agriculture programme to be delivered this year and in future years. Many strong and positive benefits from the sustainable agriculture programme are being delivered, most especially the bovine genetics scheme. That scheme is a no-brainer. The conditionality associated with the farm sustainability payment is proportionate and fair.”
“I am therefore proud to have secured Executive agreement on the long-term Northern Ireland food strategy framework and its associated two-year action plan. A key focus on addressing food inequalities and developing a right-to-food culture while recognising the need for a more sustainable agri-food sector and utilising the necessary science, technology and skills to support that transition is absolutely fundamental. <BR /> <BR />In January this year, via a written ministerial statement to the Northern Ireland Assembly, I provided an update on my Department's new programme of farm support, which was required as a result of EU exit.”
“My Department's marine environment and fisheries fund ensures that Northern Ireland's seafood sector remains strong and sustainable and that our fisheries and aquaculture sectors thrive while contributing to environmental targets and food security. <BR /> <BR />At a national and global level, the risks to our food security are growing. Climate change, biodiversity loss, geopolitical instability and supply chain disruptions that increase costs to farmers, food producers and consumers are very real. I am also acutely aware that, at a household level, disposable incomes are lower in Northern Ireland than in other parts of the UK, which puts significant pressures on the affordability of food.”
“We are a proud food-producing region, recognised internationally for our high-quality produce, most notably milk and meat products, which command a significant premium in export markets. However, we also rely heavily on importing significant quantities of other food products, such as fruits and vegetables, which is why I remain committed to expanding our horticulture sector. Farmers are central to our future food security, but food security is not just about farms; it includes our fisheries and aquaculture sectors. Foods from aquatic sources, both wild-caught and farmed, generally have a significantly lower carbon footprint than terrestrial animal-sourced foods, offering an opportunity to deliver low-carbon food security, support rural economies and contribute to Northern Ireland's decarbonisation commitments.”
“There are many interacting factors that shape and determine the stable relationship between people and food that is at the core of that definition. Food security, therefore, cannot be reduced to a single metric or concept. It is complex and multifaceted. <BR /> <BR />Northern Ireland's agri-food sector is indeed a strategic asset, employing around 80,000 people with a gross value added of around £2 billion per annum, accounting for 36% of total manufacturing sales. I have clearly set out my vision for the sector where financial and environmental sustainability go hand in hand. I reaffirm my commitment to building a thriving, resilient and environmentally sustainable future.”
“They complain about the climate change legislation that their own Minister progressed and which they all voted for at Final Stage. They call for a just transition, yet fail to acknowledge that it is their own party that is holding up moves to set up a just transition commission designed to ensure the very thing that they want. All of that is disingenuously framed within the issue of food security. <BR /> <BR />I acknowledge the importance of food security. However, as we all know, it is a complex topic with a range of risk factors: most notably, geopolitical, as well as the very real impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss. While there are many definitions, the most widely used one is from the 1996 World Food Summit, which defined food security as:”
“Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. <BR /> <BR />This DUP motion is perhaps one of the most bizarre that the Assembly has debated for a long while. It is riddled with contradictions and, as per usual, light on solutions. DUP Members bemoan the outworkings of Brexit, a cause that they championed, which has damaged the UK economy and resulted in appalling trade deals, negotiated by Boris Johnson and Liz Truss and endorsed by the DUP, that have thrown our farmers under the bus. They want to support the agri-food sector, but willingly pulled the rug from under it after gleefully supporting the White Paper on immigration and, indeed, calling for the UK Government to go much further, clear in the knowledge of the serious impact that that is having on the labour supply for local agri-food businesses.”
“Will the Member also acknowledge that the issue of ammonia is complex, and that the Office for Environmental Protection has set that out?”
“Thank you, Patsy. That does not come into the decision-making because no moves to Great Britain can occur until the conditions for those moves are agreed with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and other UK authorities. My officials are in discussion with colleagues in Great Britain to enable those moves to restart as soon as possible. Potential exporters and private veterinary practitioners are encouraged to watch for further guidance from DAERA. That guidance may change as the situation develops.”