To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail any plans to roll out schemes that support farmers in implementing sustainable and environmentally friendly farming systems.

Work is underway to develop an agricultural support framework portfolio better suited to local needs and one that will provide for and secure long term sustainability within the industry. My officials are working with farmers and land managers, agricultural industry representatives and environmental stakeholders to co-design schemes aimed at supporting farmers to implement sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices.

Protecting and enhancing our environment is a key priority for my Department and a range of related support schemes and measures are already in place for farmers.

Currently, the Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) supports farmers and land managers to implement environmentally beneficial actions and works on agricultural land. It aims to protect and enhance biodiversity and water quality, and mitigate against climate change by sequestering carbon. Training for all EFS participants is delivered by the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE). After four annual intake tranches some 5,000 farmers are participating in the scheme. Two further tranches of the EFS are planned for this year and next.

Capital support is available through the Farm Business Improvement Scheme (FBIS) to help farmers invest in a range of equipment which deliver environmental benefits. This includes technologies such as Low Emissions Slurry Spreading Equipment (LESSE) which reduces the ammonia and water quality impacts of slurry spreading.

While the FBIS-Capital scheme is currently closed for applications, I am considering what further capital support can be provided under the scheme, and within the Future Agricultural Policy Framework for Northern Ireland, which I will be launching in the coming months.

Through CAFRE, a number of Environmental Business Development Groups have been established which provide a training forum that allows sharing of peer-to-peer knowledge with a focus on environmentally beneficial farming practices.

In addition, my Department offers a soil sampling service and training for farmers which provides them with detailed information on their soils, such as pH level and nutrient requirements. By optimising pH and applying slurry, manure and chemical fertiliser in line with crop need, farmers can maximise crop yields, increase soil fertility and increase farm profitability and sustainability, while also improving environmental performance.

The creation of new woodlands and the management of existing woodlands by farmers supports carbon sequestration and storage. My Department provides grant aid towards the cost of this work.