The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) welcomes the announcement made by Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minster Edwin Poots, earlier today (8 September), that the Northern Ireland pilot Protein Crops Scheme for growing combinable beans, peas and sweet lupins will be extended to the end of 2023.
UFU deputy president John McLenaghan said, “The UFU have been strong advocates for a protein crop scheme in recent years and the extension by Minister Poots will be well received by members. The extension to the scheme will provide an opportunity for more farms to grow their own protein crops resulting in additional environmental benefits but also boost our family farms income which has already taken a hit with soaring input costs in recent months.”
The DAERA interim review of the pilot scheme showed a number of environmental benefits.
“Growing protein crops will support the already flourishing wildlife habitats on farm, benefiting pollinators such as bees, improving soil health, crop diversity and nitrogen fixing – particularly at a time with fertiliser prices increasing. I encourage all our members to consider this pilot scheme which will have massive benefits for their farm business as well as delivering for the environment,” said Mr McLenaghan.
