Let's say that 3,000 farmers, or thereabouts, go on to complete a farm plan under the FNMS scheme. This will work out at a total expenditure commitment of around £150 million, 40 per cent at least of which will originate from producers' own pockets. This is money that will be spent throughout the length and breadth of Northern Ireland with builders, engineers, pre cast companies and the myriad supply businesses that depend on the farming sector. This money will then be further recycled in the form of salaries and wages which, in turn, maintains every High Street business and village shop province-wide.
Yet again we have an example of agriculture being at the very heart of our rural communities. The industry is investing at this local level in a way no other sector can and yet farmers continue to get a rough ride in terms of their image with the community at large. Of even more significance is the fact that the FNMS monies are being spent, not to increase the profitability of farming, but rather to copper fasten the beauty and environmental health of the countryside for the benefit of everyone in Northern Ireland and those many visitors who come to our shores.
The other interesting aspect to the minister's decision is its confirmation that local politicians can now influence important decision making processes, which impact on the community as a whole. Michelle Gildernew made it clear earlier this week that the new FNMS payment arrangements have been put in place on the back of proposals made by the Agriculture Committee at Stormont
Our politicians and decision makers must continue to take the lead in praising the farming industry for the ongoing and beneficial impact it makes to our economy and general way of life.
These are very uncertain times for agriculture. Changes in support arrangements, the continuing environmental challenge and crippling input costs continue to make the decision making process for producers a difficult one. The last thing farmers need is to be seen as Enemy Number One in the countryside, when, in fact, the opposite is really the case.
Farming has gone through downturns in its fortunes before, but has always bounced back. And no doubt the same will happen again. In the meantime farmers should at least expect the backing of those with influence within our community or, at the very least, expect a willingness on the part of the political classes to take on board the very real challenges currently facing every farming family in Northern Ireland. Without a vibrant farming industry, the social and economic fabric our countryside and rural areas will die. And surely this is an eventuality which nobody in their right minds wants to contemplate!
RICHARD HALLORAN