The Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association has called for financial support for farmers, as producers face falling prices and rising costs as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.   Michael Bell, Executive Director, Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) said:   “With farmgate prices being driven down by the loss of foodservice markets, and input costs such as fertiliser increasing, farmers are facing a perfect storm that could see many go out of business altogether.


 

“Financial support is urgently needed before livelihoods are lost. Schemes have been established to support small businesses and the hospitality, tourism and retail sectors, and similar support for farm businesses is vital if our farming base is to come out the other side of the Covid-19 crisis.

 

“It is welcome that the agriculture minister Edwin Poots recognises the severity of the situation and we will continue to work with him and his department in the coming days to ensure a solution is found.”

 

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Belfast Met MPU

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