The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has met with First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly to seek urgent action on rising input costs amid the growing pressures facing farm businesses.
The UFU set out the immediate challenges facing the agri-food sector, including the impact of rising fuel, fertiliser and energy costs on farm viability, and stressed the need for both short-term relief and longer-term support, warning of the consequences for domestic food production if action is not taken.
UFU president, William Irvine, attended the meeting along with deputy president, Glenn Cuddy and parliamentary officer, Alexander Kinnear. The UFU president said, “This was a constructive and significant meeting. We made it clear that farmers across Northern Ireland are under immense pressure and that there is a need for both immediate support and a coordinated response across government.
“The First Minister and deputy First Minister acknowledged the significant challenges facing the sector, including the ongoing fuel crisis. The UFU also raised the wider pressures farmers are facing such as NAP and climate legislation, and First Minister and deputy First Minister recognised the urgent need for collaborative action to address them.”
During the meeting, the UFU also raised concerns around recent communication on resilience payments from DAERA, before emphasising the current lack of resilience within the farming sector.
UFU deputy president, Glenn Cuddy, said, “It is essential that communication around support measures is clear and consistent. Confusion and mixed messaging only add to the uncertainty farmers are already dealing with.
“Farmers are under significant strain and are understandably frustrated. It is essential that we maintain a focus on productive engagement through meaningful conversations like these, working together to rebuild a sense of stability and certainty for these farming families in a time of sustained pressure.”
Following constructive discussions, several key action points were firmly agreed, including engagement with the Strategic Civil Contingencies Group along with strengthened commitments to ensure that Northern Ireland agriculture is fairly represented in UK-wide discussions on the issue and working together to secure financial assistance from the UK Government.
The UFU will also provide detailed information on the arable-specific impacts to support ongoing discussions.
Mr Irvine added, “This is a developing situation, and it is absolutely crucial that agriculture is fully considered in any contingency planning going forward. We will continue to press all levels of government for meaningful action and to ensure the voice of farmers is not only heard but actively reflected in decision-making.”