The Environment Minister's announcement that the Greening Requirement is to be removed from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Basic Payment Scheme has been described as "seriously concerning" by the Green Party in Northern Ireland.

Leader of the Green Party NI Clare Bailey MLA said the Minister's removal of Greening Requirement without a replacement plan in sight is "alarming".

She said: "This is the removal of a basic requirement to diversify crops, maintain permanent grassland and foster habitats such as hedgerows.

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"This is an attack on biodiversity and an undermining of the role of farmers as custodians of the land.

"Deregulation will not help farmers to face the challenges created by the climate and ecological crises. Biodiversity and farming with nature are key to a sustainable future for our farming communities.

"This is the Minister responsible for creating new biodiversity legislation for Northern Ireland as we leave the EU. It is deeply concerning to see him demonstrating not only a lack of commitment to addressing climate breakdown and the ecological crisis, but an agenda to erode already limited environmental protections.

"I've tabled an urgent question to the Minister in light of this alarming announcement."