‘ANC must be reinstated to help struggling farmers’

Sinn Féin MLA Jemma Dolan has called on farmers to join her online meeting about reinstating the Areas of Natural Constraint payments and other rural issues.

Speaking ahead of the meeting this Thursday the MLA said: “Sinn Féin has launched a Private Members Bill to restore the Areas of Natural Constraint(ANC) payment.

“Formerly known as Less Favoured Area(LFA) this much needed payment was cut in 2018. This payment applied to 92% of all farm land in Fermanagh and we believe it must be reinstated to help our struggling farmers.

“These payments are still in place in the south of Ireland and also over in Scotland.

“For our farmers to survive and compete on a more level playing field it must be restored here in the north as well.

“This Thursday night I am being joined by Declan McAleer MLA who is progressing this Bill through the Assembly.

“Our MP Michelle Gildernew, who is also a former Agriculture Minister, will be there alongside former MEP and current TD Matt Carthy.

“We’re holding the meeting online this Thursday, 25th March, at 8.30pm to discuss this and other important issues so please join us.

“You can email me on [email protected] to register and get the link.”