Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister, Andrew Muir MLA, has secured final Assembly approval for legislation to help support the local horticulture sector.
Noting the importance of this support to local growers, Minister Muir commented:
“I have been clear that the Fruit and Veg Aid Scheme will continue in Northern Ireland after this year. This means DAERA will support Producer Organisations (POs) with a Head Office in Northern Ireland as they undertake a new three-year Operational Programme, commencing January 2026, and provide certainty and stability to growers at a particularly challenging time.
“During its Assembly passage, Members heard that the mushroom industry, the main beneficiary of FVAS support over many years, has been at a competitive disadvantage because the scheme rules in the UK have not kept pace with changes elsewhere. This Bill is therefore essential to provide the scope to make changes to the scheme to reflect the specific needs of our local horticulture sector and secure improved economic and environmental outcomes.”
