The Northern Ireland Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) committee has discussed a Private Members’ Bill, drawn up with the aim of re-introducing Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) payments.
A key meeting took place on Monday (March 16) with the author of the proposed legislation, AERA committee vice chair Declan McAleer MLA taking questions from colleagues on the committee.
The bill proposes the re-introduction of ANC payments, which had previously been available up to 2018.
McAleer told Agriland: “In my opinion, the Bill would be within the legislative competence of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
“I took this step because the agriculture minister, Andrew Muir MLA had indicated to me that he had no plan to make ANC support measures available within us planned schedule of farm supports.
“Given this backdrop, the only option available to me was that of committing to a Private Members Bill.”
The draft legislation has its second reading at Stormont on Monday next (March 23).
If given a fair wind, McAleer is confident that the proposed legislation can complete all of its stages at Stormont prior to the next assembly elections, which are due to take place in May 2027.
Based on the rates of payment made available under the previous ANC scheme, the costs associated with the new measures have been estimated at around £11.4 million per annum.
“Under the previous scheme, there was a stipulation that claimants of the support had to be active farmers,” McAleer said.
“It is proposed that the new measures would operate on a similar basis.”
According to the Sinn Féin politician, re-instating an ANC scheme is justified to ensure the financial viability of farms in marginal areas.
It will also help protect rural economies and support the continued management of of environmentally important landscapes.
“This approach recognises the significant approach that ANC farmers make to carbon sequestration biodiversity and sustainable food production while addressing the structural disadvantages in farming these constrained areas,” McAleer continued.
“ANC payments will ensure that monies will flow into rural communities that need it most: benefitting local businesses, schools and community services.”
McAleer spoke about the discussion of the bill with the AERA committee.
“It was a unique experience for me to be questioned by members of the agriculture committee,” he said.
“I believe there is a broad degree of political support at Stormont for the ANC bill. Obviously, there is a requirement to find a budget for the measure, should it reach the statute book.
“This will be an issue for the next Assembly. Right now, the priority is to get the principles contained with the bill officially adopted.”
