To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for her assessment of the impact on the agriculture sector of a 41 per cent drop in total income for farming in 2015; and how her Department is working to grow and sustain farming for the future.

Farm incomes fell significantly in 2015 because of very poor market prices reflecting weak global markets and adverse exchange rate movements. The total income from farming figure for the industry as a whole is at a level not seen for 10 years and that is very concerning.

The Executive’s strategy for support to the agri-food supply chain is outlined in its response to Going for Growth, which details actions that Executive departments would deliver in support of the Executive’s commitment to the agri-food sector.

In particular, my Department has undertaken a number of initiatives to grow and sustain farming for the future. I have secured the largest ever Rural Development Programme funding, up to £623m, including up to £250m for the Farm Business Improvement Scheme which will deliver a number of programmes to assist and support farmers in securing the future of their businesses. On 8 February 2016, I announced that all eligible applications for the first tranche of Business Development Groups will be offered a place on the Programme. This is the first part of the Farm Business Improvement Scheme and will mean that over 3000 farmers will have the opportunity to work together to help develop their businesses in the aim of improving farm profitability.

Accessing new and developing markets is vital to the long term sustainability of the sector. Through dedicating significant resources to this important area, DARD has also opened up a number of significant new markets, including provisional approval to sell pork to China and work is ongoing to secure access to further markets including Australia and the Philippines. My Department has also taken forward a number of initiatives in plant and animal health, including the establishment of the TB Strategic Partnership to provide further impetus to the ongoing efforts to eradicate TB.

Developing a strong and resilient agricultural sector able to react to market volatility requires a strong and integrated supply chain. With the support of the Agri-Food Strategy Board, I have been encouraging all elements of the supply chain to work together in a more open and transparent manner. That work began at the initial Supply Chain Forum event in October 2015, and has continued via the AFSB. A further Supply Chain Forum event will take place in the near future and see more detailed discussions on potential tools available to the sector to soften the impact of volatility.

I remain optimistic about the long-term opportunities for our farming industry. Though, the current income crisis requires that we continue to work on all fronts to help farmers and I will continue to do whatever can be done.