To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how her Department has promoted the Northern Ireland Countryside Management Scheme to encourage voluntary participation by farmers.

The Department’s Countryside Management Unit (CMU) encouraged voluntary participation by farmers in the NI Countryside Management Scheme (NICMS) by engaging in an active promotion campaign during the application periods in 2008 and 2011. A series of farm walks were organised to provide information to interested participants on the options available and the many benefits that agri-environment schemes can deliver.

NICMS featured on the DARD exhibit at Balmoral Show and other local agricultural shows. Visitors to the shows were able to discuss their eligibility for NICMS and the options available to them with Countryside Management advisors.

CMU published a number of press articles in the farming press to highlight the opening of NICMS for application and to provide information on the scheme. The Department’s website also contained advice on applying for NICMS and details of the scheme.