To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail any plans he has to engage with the Department for the Economy to explore farm diversification options with farmers.

Officials are currently finalising a draft Rural Policy Framework which will inform the need for support for rural communities and businesses going forward. I hope to be in apposition to launch an 8 week online consultation on this framework before the summer. It is too early to say what schemes will be required as part of a support programme but I’m sure there will be opportunities to assist farmers diversifying into non-agricultural activities. Officials will engage with relevant stakeholders, including the Department for the Economy, in developing future support.