Environmental Policy Branch
Environmental Policy Branch oversees the development and evaluation of DARD policy relating to biodiversity, renewable energy, sustainability and climate change.
Environmental Policy Branch also has responsibility for pesticides, plant varieties and seeds, land use and planning, organic food, fallen animals, and water quality and waste management.
How to contact Environmental Policy Branch
Environmental Policy Branch is based in Room 651, Dundonald House, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 3SB.
What services does Environmental Policy Branch provide?
The Branch drafts domestic legislation implementing EU directives on agriculture and the environment. Current responsibilities include:
- Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme agri-environment schemes
- Water Quality Policy including the Nitrates Directive and Water Framework Directive.
- Environmental Impact Assessment