Diana Armstrong has been confirmed as the new chair of Stormont’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) Committee.
The deputy leader of the Ulster Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) succeeds Robbie Butler after he was appointed health minister on Thursday.
The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA said she was taking up the role at a “difficult moment” for the agriculture industry.
In a statement, she referred to a controversial cull of 51 cattle by Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ (DAERA) Humane Slaughter Team on land near Fivemiletown in June.
Ms Armstrong said “confidence between farmers and the department that regulates them has been badly damaged”.
“Rebuilding it will take more than time passing,” she added.
Ms Armstrong said she would be focused on climate targets, Lough Neagh and wastewater infrastructure, as well the cost of farming, bovine tuberculosis and famer’s mental health.
She said agriculture has “shaped virtually every aspect” of her life having grown up on her family’s farm and being married to a farmer.
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