To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on the funding to replace that received from the EU for the Rural Development Programme.

At this stage there are no new funding updates. The 2019 Conservative Manifesto Commitment is to guarantee the current annual budget to farmers in every year of the next Parliament.

I have written to the Defra Secretary of State emphasising the importance of maintaining these payments to farmers, land managers and for the rural economy in Northern Ireland. EU replacement funding issues are also discussed at the regular UK Inter-Ministerial Group for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs meetings which I attend.

Alongside the Budget announcement on 3 March, UKG has launched funds for three areas - Community Renewal Fund, Levelling Up Fund and Community Ownership Fund, which you may find of interest.