To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs pursuant to AQW 18889/17-22, to detail the work undertaken by his Department in designing new support schemes and opportunities for farmers since the UK left the EU.

I have previously shared the four desired outcomes around which future support is being developed. Work is continuing to develop an agricultural support framework portfolio and I see roles for a simplified area based income support safety net and coupled support. I am also keen to examine how a genetics and livestock data programme can be embedded to improve the economic and environmental performance of our grazing livestock.

Work is progressing on future agri-environment policy and schemes as officials engage with farmers and environmental organisations to develop policy proposals. We also need to expand investment and knowledge tools to support better nutrient management and reductions in carbon, ammonia and nitrates emissions alongside continuing professional development.

I look forward to engaging further on my Department’s proposals over the coming months.