Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir MLA has secured final Assembly approval for new legislation aimed at supporting Northern Ireland's horticulture sector.
Subject to Royal Assent, the Agriculture Bill will grant powers to amend legacy EU rules related to the Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme (FVAS) and the Agri-Food Information and Promotions scheme, aligning them with local policy priorities.
Following the Assembly debate, Minister Muir stated: "I am grateful to the Assembly for supporting this important piece of legislation. The Agriculture Bill enables me to target the finite Executive budget earmarked for agriculture, agri-environment, fisheries, and rural development where it best meets local needs."
The FVAS provides match-funding to Producer Organisations (POs) in the fruit and vegetable sector to help improve their businesses through collaboration. The new powers in the Bill will allow the government to update the legacy EU legislation, ensuring it reflects the needs of Northern Ireland's growers.
Emphasizing the importance of continued support, Minister Muir said: "I have been clear that the Fruit and Veg Aid Scheme will continue in Northern Ireland after this year. This means DAERA will support Producer Organisations with a head office in Northern Ireland as they begin a new three-year Operational Programme starting in January 2026. This provides certainty and stability to growers during a particularly challenging time. My officials are working quickly to ensure local growers can access the support available."
During the Bill's passage through the Assembly, Members highlighted the challenges facing the mushroom industry, the main beneficiary of FVAS support over the years, which has been at a competitive disadvantage due to outdated UK scheme rules. The Minister noted:
"This Bill is essential to give us the flexibility to adapt the scheme to better reflect the specific needs of our local horticulture sector and to secure improved economic and environmental outcomes."
In conclusion, Minister Muir added: "I have asked officials to begin preparatory work on a replacement scheme to be developed in collaboration with the horticultural sector, informed by a review of the legacy scheme. I am delighted that the Bill has reached its Final Stage today. Should it receive Royal Assent, we can begin work on formally considering improvements to better support the development of our horticultural sector using the Bill's new powers."
For more information:
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
Tel: +353 (0) 28 9016 3460
Email: [email protected]
www.daera-ni.gov.uk
