RSPB NI and its supporters gathered at Stormont this week to demand a significant increase in public investment for nature-friendly farming.
The charity called on MLAs to back long-term, well-funded agri-environment schemes to help farmers produce food sustainably while addressing the escalating nature and climate crises.
New polling commissioned by the charity reveals strong public backing for this move, with 68% of people in Northern Ireland supporting increased public investment to help farmers address environmental challenges.
The event took place outside Stormont, as the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) launched Phase 2 of the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme (FwNT).
Falling Behind on Environmental Action
While welcoming the new scheme, RSPB NI warned that further investment is critical for Northern Ireland to catch up with the rest of the UK and Ireland.
According to the State of Nature Report 2023, Northern Ireland currently has the lowest proportion of land enrolled in agri-environment schemes across these islands.
Joanne Sherwood, RSPB NI Director, described the continued rollout of the FwNT as a "step in the right direction" but insisted that more support is needed.
“Nature-friendly farming is essential if we are serious about restoring wildlife while producing food sustainably," she stated.
"Farmers want to do the right thing, but they need proper support to deliver for nature, water quality and climate resilience.”
Supporting Existing Habitats
Agricultural policy is viewed as central to Northern Ireland’s environmental recovery, given that over 75% of the region is farmed.
However, Mark McCormick, RSPB NI Sustainable Agricultural Policy Officer, highlighted significant gaps in current support, particularly for farmers who are already managing farmland habitats voluntarily or under previous schemes.
“Investing in nature-friendly farming means supporting both existing habitats and new actions, giving farmers the long-term certainty they need while strengthening food security, economic resilience and wildlife recovery,” McCormick added.
Escalating Climate Risks
The call for investment comes amid warnings from the Climate Change Committee’s Fourth Independent Assessment of UK Climate Risk.
The assessment highlights that farming is already being significantly affected by climate change, including pressures on productivity and increasing challenges from flooding and drought.
It warns that current adaptation efforts are failing to keep pace with the scale of future risks.
RSPB NI is currently encouraging the public to contact their local MLAs to urge them to stand up for farmers and nature.
Supporters can take part in the charity's e-action to back increased resources for sustainable farming here.
