The Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme has delivered funding to farmers across Northern Ireland, but figures showing that Fermanagh recorded the lowest participation and payment levels have prompted fresh calls for an Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) scheme.

Áine Murphy, Sinn Féin MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, said the data highlights the unique challenges facing farmers in the county, where agriculture is predominantly based on suckler herds and store cattle production.

The Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme is a support mechanism aimed at helping beef producers reduce their carbon emissions. Ms Murphy said the low uptake in Fermanagh demonstrates that the current support does not adequately address the needs of farmers working in disadvantaged and marginal areas.

She argued that an ANC payment would recognise the additional natural and geographical challenges many farming families face, providing targeted financial assistance where it is most needed.

A Private Members’ Bill put forward by Sinn Féin’s Declan McAleer seeks to create a legislative basis for such a scheme. If enacted, it would ensure that farmers on some of the most challenging land receive proper support and are not unfairly disadvantaged.