Public backs greater investment in nature-friendly farming as RSPB NI brings message to Stormont

Supporters outside Stormont calling for long-term investment in agri-environment schemes to

support farmers and restore wildlife, joined by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir

New polling commissioned by RSPB NI has revealed strong public support for increased investment in nature-friendly farming, as the organisation called on politicians to provide greater backing for farmers working to protect wildlife and tackle climate change.

The survey found that 68 per cent of people support increased public investment to help farmers produce food sustainably while also addressing the nature and climate crisis — a message the conservation charity brought directly to Stormont as a new phase of government funding for environmental farming measures was launched.

The findings come as the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs launched Phase 2 of its Farming with Nature Transition Scheme, introducing funding for a range of environmental actions on farms across Northern Ireland.

Nature and farming closely linked in Northern Ireland

Farmers speaking with Alliance MLAs Sian Mulholland and Connie Egan

With more than 75 per cent of Northern Ireland’s land used for farming, agricultural policy plays a major role in determining the future of wildlife, water quality and climate resilience.

However, conservation groups warn Northern Ireland is falling behind other parts of the UK and Ireland in supporting environmentally focused farming.

According to the State of Nature Report 2023, Northern Ireland has the lowest proportion of land enrolled in agri-environment schemes anywhere in the UK or Ireland, raising concerns about the future of habitats and species already under pressure.

RSPB NI is now calling for a significant increase in long-term funding for agri-environment schemes, alongside tailored advice services to support farmers in delivering environmental improvements while maintaining food production.

Charity welcomes new scheme but warns more support is needed

Joanne Sherwood, Director of RSPB NI with Alliance representative Andrew McMurray MLA outside Stormont Parliament Buildings

Joanne Sherwood, Director of RSPB NI, welcomed the continued rollout of the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme but said further action would be required if Northern Ireland was serious about reversing wildlife decline.

She said:

“We welcome the continued rollout of the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme and the new actions being introduced this year. This is a step in the right direction, and we would encourage farmers to explore the options available.

“However, much more support will be needed to meet the scale of the challenge, including a greater share of the budget allocated to agri-environment schemes.

“Nature-friendly farming is essential if we are serious about restoring wildlife while producing food sustainably. Farmers want to do the right thing, but they need proper support to deliver for nature, water quality and climate resilience.”

Concerns over support for existing habitats

The charity also highlighted concerns around the withdrawal of previous agri-environment schemes and the impact this has had on farmers already managing land for wildlife.

Mark McCormick said many farmers had been left facing uncertainty following the end of earlier support programmes.

He said:

“Many farmers across Northern Ireland have been left uncertain following the withdrawal of the previous agri-environment scheme, so the continued rollout of the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme is very welcome.

“However, significant gaps remain, particularly the lack of support for maintaining existing farmland habitats created under previous schemes or managed voluntarily, leaving farmers already delivering for nature at a disadvantage.”

He added that investment in nature-friendly farming should support both existing habitats and new environmental actions to provide farmers with the long-term certainty required to invest in their land and businesses.

According to the charity, stronger support would also help improve food security, strengthen rural economies and aid wildlife recovery.

Climate risks increasing pressure on farming sector

A RSPB NI campaigner calling for more support for nature-friendly farming in Northern Ireland

The campaign comes as the latest assessment from the Climate Change Committee warns that farming is already being significantly affected by climate change.

Its Fourth Independent Assessment of UK Climate Risk highlighted increasing impacts from flooding and drought, alongside growing concerns around soil degradation and falling productivity.

The report concluded that current efforts to adapt to these challenges are not keeping pace with the scale of the risks facing agriculture in the years ahead.

Call for public support

RSPB NI is encouraging members of the public to contact their local MLAs to support increased investment in nature-friendly farming and greater resources for environmental land management schemes.

The charity has launched an online campaign allowing people to contact elected representatives directly.

The e-action campaign can be accessed through  RSPB NI campaign page⁠.

RSPB NI currently works with more than 400 farmers across Northern Ireland to support species including the Curlew, Yellowhammer and Lapwing.

The organisation has operated in Northern Ireland for more than 60 years and today has more than 12,000 members, around 500 volunteers and an extensive network of nature reserves across the region.

• RSPB NI campaign action page: https://tinyurl.com/RSPBNICampaign

• Find out more about RSPB Northern Ireland: https://www.rspb.org.uk/northern-ireland