The Northern Ireland Executive has approved the third Northern Ireland Climate Change Adaptation Programme for 2024-2029. The plan includes 280 actions involving nature, food, infrastructure, communities and business. Stakeholders encompass Translink, NI Water, local councils, academia, the community and voluntary sector, and businesses.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir stated Northern Ireland faces impacts from frequent severe storms, more extreme flooding, new animal diseases and intense wildfires affecting communities, businesses and the environment. He noted collaboration across government departments produced the plan.

This programme follows two prior five-year plans, the first published in 2014, as required by the UK Climate Change Act 2008. Adaptation focuses on adjusting to current and projected climate effects, distinct from emission reductions.

The plan incorporates a Peatlands Strategy, city drainage plans for Londonderry and Belfast, a Sustainable Agriculture Programme and a Food Strategy Framework.

Vegetable farmer Stephen Murdoch in Comber, County Down, grows cauliflowers, broccoli, leeks and brussel sprouts. He reported weather shifts to 10-week wet or dry periods regardless of season, reducing harvests and forcing hand-picking of leeks due to rain-packed soil.

Farmer Peter Gallagher manages 150 acres near Boho in County Fermanagh with a 70-strong suckler herd. He shifted to regenerative grass-growing, resting fields up to two months, to handle wetter, milder conditions and utilise grass despite unpredictable wetness.

Ulster Farmers' Union deputy president John McLenaghan said changing climate compresses farm schedules including slurry spreading, ploughing and seeding. He called for more efficient agriculture to feed a growing global population.