Funding for agriculture in the future will be underpinned by financial and environmental sustainability, according to the minister for agriculture, environment, and rural affairs. The newly introduced Sustainable Agriculture Programme (SAP), formerly known as the Farm Support and Development Programme, aims to support change for a sustainable future.
The name change reflects the programme’s importance in promoting sustainability within the farming sector. The minister emphasized the impact of climate change on all sectors, particularly agriculture, which stands to benefit the most from interventions that ensure a strong and sustainable future.
One key component of the SAP is the Beef Carbon Reduction scheme, which seeks to reduce emissions by slaughtering animals at an earlier age. A timeline for the rollout of various schemes under SAP will be published on the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) website. Several schemes, including the Beef Carbon Reduction initiative, have already been launched, with additional phases set to begin soon.
Among the policies scheduled for launch this year is the Farming With Nature package, a priority within the programme. It will be introduced in phases, with initial announcements expected at the Balmoral Show in May.
All policies under SAP will be underpinned by the One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The programme aims to maintain agricultural output more efficiently while enhancing productivity and improving environmental sustainability. It may also lead to a reduction in livestock numbers through the removal of less productive animals.
To ensure widespread understanding and adoption of these initiatives, information events will be held across the region in late February and March for farmers and growers.
Environmental organizations have welcomed the prioritization of the Farming With Nature package but stress that these measures must be adequately funded and resourced. In the past, direct environmental payments accounted for less than 3% of the agricultural budget, a lower proportion than in other regions. Independent economic analysis highlights that nature-friendly farming is significantly under-resourced, making the introduction of this package long overdue.
Currently, the majority of farmers do not have access to agri-environmental funding, underscoring the need for increased financial support to make sustainable farming more accessible and effective.
