Northern Irelands New Farming with Nature Regulations: A Step Towards Sustainable Agriculture

In a significant move towards enhancing environmental conservation in agriculture, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland has laid out the "Farming with Nature Regulations 2025." This new statutory rule is set to revolutionize farming practices, aligning them more closely with nature conservation and sustainability.

What's Changing?

The "Farming with Nature" regulations are part of a broader Sustainable Agricultural Programme, designed to replace the existing Environmental Farming Scheme. This initiative aims to incentivize farmers to expand and maintain natural habitats within their agricultural lands, promoting biodiversity and ecological balance.

The Consultation Process

Before rolling out these regulations, DAERA undertook a comprehensive consultation process. From December 2021 to February 2022, various stakeholders, including those from the farming and environmental sectors, were invited to share their insights and feedback on the proposed changes. This feedback was crucial in shaping the final policy decisions, which were publicly shared in March 2022.

To further refine the approach, DAERA formed the Agricultural Policy Stakeholder Group and the Farming with Nature Co-Design Group. These groups have played a pivotal role in ensuring that the policies not only meet environmental goals but are also practical and beneficial for farmers.

Technical Amendments and Implications

The regulations are primarily technical amendments, which means they are adjustments to existing laws rather than entirely new laws. As such, they do not have significant financial, equality, or regulatory impacts.

Compliance and Compatibility

The regulations comply with section 24 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, ensuring no conflict with human rights or EU laws. Importantly, the initiative is distinct within the UK, as there are no directly comparable schemes in Great Britain following the UK's exit from the EU.

Looking Forward

The "Farming with Nature" regulations signal a proactive approach to sustainable agriculture in Northern Ireland. They reflect a growing recognition of the need to balance agricultural productivity with environmental stewardship. As the UK continues to adapt its agricultural policies post-Brexit, Northern Ireland's initiative could serve as a model for integrating nature-focused practices into farming.

For those seeking more information, Zita Hale from the Agricultural Policy Division at DAERA is the point of contact.

This new policy is not just about farming; it's about fostering a harmonious relationship between agriculture and the natural world, paving the way for a greener future in Northern Ireland.