To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (i) for his assessment of Northern Ireland’s current food security; and (ii) how he will work to ensure this within future policy.

(i) For many food commodities, production in Northern Ireland exceeds local consumption and hence the importance of export markets to the agri-food sector. However, there are food products not produced in large quantities in Northern Ireland mostly due to climate conditions.

Therefore, to meet the food needs of the Northern Ireland population, we also require imports of certain foods as well as imports of inputs such as feed, fertiliser and fuel to enable domestic production.

I am confident in Northern Ireland's food security due to a combination of a strong agri-food sector and robust supply chains with reliable trade partners.

(ii) I am focused on ensuring longer term solutions to prevent crises and preserve our food security. I am keen to explore how we better utilise science and technology to inform future policies and ensure our food supplies are resilient.