To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what steps his Department is taking to reduce carbon emissions from food supply chains.

Leaving the EU has provided the most significant opportunity for policy development for almost 50 years. My Department is leading the Executive’s overarching multi-decade Green Growth Strategy and Climate Action Plan for Northern Ireland, which aims to transform our society towards the UK target of net zero by 2050, protect and enhance our environment and deliver sustainable economic growth.

While this strategy will range much wider than food supply chains, primary agriculture production and food waste will have a key role to play in reducing carbon emissions. My officials are continuing to develop a NI Agricultural Policy Framework and proposals for a cross departmental Food Strategy Framework both of which will consider the need to improve supply chain functionality and help address the carbon challenge. In my view, resource efficiency must be a key objective with input use minimised, recycling maximised and waste streams dealt with sustainably. Innovation and technological advances must also form part of any future carbon reduction plans.

As an example, the prevention and reduction of food waste across the food supply chain is a key area of focus for DAERA as we move towards achieving ambitious targets for carbon reduction and recycling. My officials continue to engage with organisations across NI to support the reduction of food waste and redistribution of food surpluses.

I look forward to continuing the work with all our food supply chain stakeholders to reduce carbon emissions over the coming years.