To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what consideration his Department has given to providing financial support for farmers to address the increasing costs of animal feed and fertiliser.

I am fully aware of the pressures that Northern Ireland producers are facing in relation to unprecedented rises in input costs of energy, feed and fertiliser which simply cannot be absorbed by farm businesses. It must be balanced quickly by price adjustments throughout the supply chain if the economic viability of primary production and domestic supplies of agricultural goods are to be sustained.

Unfortunately, end markets for agricultural produce and food are currently responding too slowly to offset these rising costs, causing a major squeeze on cash flow and loss of profitability. This is undermining confidence throughout the industry and will inevitably result in a contraction of production due to mounting losses if the situation is not corrected very soon. This correction must come in the form of increased farm gate prices for all sectors. I have written to retailers to voice my concern regarding farm gate prices for primary food producers.

Since the situation that our agri-food industry is facing is a UK-wide problem I have written to the Secretary of State, George Eustice MP, to urgently consider a range of measures, including financial assistance for UK farmers to support them through the crisis. I have also written to the Finance Minister, Conor Murphy seeking funding to help address the challenges currently facing the agricultural sector in Northern Ireland.

Farmers and growers are experiencing difficulties with cash flows and there is a need to provide the industry with some confidence over the coming months. With this in mind I announced my intention to bring forward full Direct Payments from 16 October 2022 to 01 September 2022, subject to the necessary legislation changes, financial approvals and system upgrades.