The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has announced appointments to the Just Transition Commission.

Ulster Unionist Party Agriculture spokesperson Robbie Butler said the commission needs members who have worked in farming and the agri-food sector.

Butler stated that three agriculture seats are not enough given the challenges facing the industry.

He called on DAERA to appoint people with direct experience rather than those with only theoretical knowledge.

Butler said food security and energy security are core priorities for Northern Ireland and must be reflected in the commission's membership and terms of reference.

The Ulster Unionist Party position is that practitioners from farming and food production should have a voice in decisions about climate policy.