To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether he plans to introduce compensation schemes for farmers whose crops fall victim to poor weather, including during recent heavy rainfall.

I am aware that this year’s very wet and late Spring is presenting challenges for farmers operating in almost every sector within the industry.

I am conscious of the wider impact if wet weather continues in the time ahead and I have made representations to the UK Government about the need for central government intervention if the situation lasts for much longer.

Meanwhile, my officials in the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) continue to monitor the situation very closely, maintaining contact with stakeholders and farmers across the range of sectors within the industry.

CAFRE has released a number of advisory articles on the management of farming operations following this period of prolonged inclement weather and tailored advice is also being offered at group meetings and through one-to-one discussions with individual farmers.