To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs pursuant to AQW 18902/17-22, for his assessment of (i) the potential for a profitable and sustainable hemp industry in Northern Ireland; (ii) the uses of hemp across all industries; and (iii) the ability of local farmers to successfully grow the crop.

Thank you to your follow up question to your AQW 18902/17-22, where I responded that my Department has not, at present, conducted any assessment of the potential for developing hemp production on land currently used for other types of farming.

I am unable to provide details in relation to parts (i) and (ii) of your question, as these matters relate to the processing, manufacturing and use of hemp in wider industry and extend beyond my Department's remit. I suggest that the Department for the Economy and Invest NI may be able to comment in relation to these matters.

In relation to part (iii) of your question, my Department does not assess or keep a record of farmers’ abilities. However, based on my ongoing experience of the local farming sector, our Northern Ireland farmers are highly capable and adaptable and the husbandry practices for growing arable crops in Northern Ireland are applicable to hemp.