Three new schemes will dramatically increase the data-gathering capacity of agriculture in Northern Ireland throughout 2026.
This is according to Declan McAleer, the vice chair of Stormont’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) Committee.
The aforementioned measures are: the Ruminant Genetics Programme; the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme; and the Farming for Carbon Project.
All of these have ‘big data’ collection capabilities placed front and centre within their modus operandi.
McAleer said: “Information gathering and the associated knowledge this amasses will play a key role in allowing farmers to plan for a more efficient and sustainable future.
“But it’s important that the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs commits to communicating with farmers regarding the ways by which this new information can be put to best use.
“Better decision-making will allow farm businesses plan for a better future – knowledge is power.”
Meanwhile, the west Co. Tyrone-based politician believes that up to 1,000 farmers have not applied for Northern Ireland’s new Suckler Cow Scheme, despite the fact they are eligible to avail of the support measure.
Suckler Cow Scheme
The scheme provides a payment of £100 per calving event. Participation is also linked to first calving age and recorded calving intervals over time.
An annual budget which covers up to 220,000 calvings has been made available for the measure.
“It’s important to find out why such a significant number of suckler farmers have not applied for the new scheme,” McAleer stressed.
“And if amendments are required, then it’s important to have a discussion on this issue.
“Suckler farming has a key impact on our food output plus the environmental and conservation standards achieved in our hill and upland areas.”
NI sheep industry
Helping to securing a new sheep support measure in Northern Ireland will be another priority for McAleer in 2026.
“Sinn Féin has always recognised the need to have the sheep industry adequately supported, and there is a prospect of this being achieved in 2026,” he said.
Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir has indicated that the issue of delivering a sheep support package will be looked at by his officials as soon as the details of the new Farming for Nature Scheme.
Meanwhile, debate continues on how the monies can be found to fund to support a new sheep scheme in the region.
A number of lobby groups have pointed to the current underspend within the new Suckler Cow and Beef Carbon Reduction Schemes as a way of squaring this circle.
