Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
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The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) (Irish: An Roinn Talmhaíochta agus Forbartha Tuaithe, Ulster Scots: Männystrie o Fairms an Kintra Fordèrin) is a devolved Northern Ireland government department in the Northern Ireland Executive. The minister with overall responsibility for the department is the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development.
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[edit] About
"The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) aims to promote sustainable economic growth and the development of the countryside in Northern Ireland. The Department assists the competitive development of the agri-food, fishing and forestry sectors of the Northern Ireland economy, having regard for the need of the consumers, the welfare of animals and the conservation and enhancement of the environment."[1]
The incumbent Minister is Michelle Gildernew (Sinn Féin).[2]
[edit] Responsibilities
DARD has responsibility for food, farming, and environmental policy and the development of the rural sector in Northern Ireland. It provides a business development service for farmers and growers, and a veterinary service with administration of animal health and welfare. It is responsible to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in Great Britain for the administration in Northern Ireland of schemes affecting the whole of the United Kingdom. The Department also oversees the application of European Union agricultural and rural development policy to Northern Ireland.
[edit] History
Following a referendum on the Belfast Agreement on 23 May 1998 and the granting of Royal Assent to the Northern Ireland Act 1998 on November 19, 1998; a Northern Ireland Assembly and Northern Ireland Executive were established by the Labour government of Prime Minister Tony Blair. The process was known as devolution and was set up to give Northern Ireland devolved legislative powers. DARD is one of 11 devolved Northern Ireland Departments created in December 1999 by the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and The Departments (Northern Ireland) Order 1999.
[edit] Ministers for Agriculture and Rural Development
| Minister | Party | Took office | Left office | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bríd Rodgers | Social Democratic and Labour | 29 November 1999 | 14 October 2002 | |
| Michelle Gildernew | Sinn Féin | 8 May 2007 |
[edit] See also
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