He believes that the introduction of new legislation will put further pressure on livestock markets which, in his opinion, are vital to ensure that farmers get a fair and transparent price for the cattle they produce.
"Currently there are two pieces of legislation, if implemented as currently proposed, that will have a massive impact on livestock markets from the start of the new year," he told Farming Life.
"Currently the Food Standards Agency and DARD are consulting with the industry on guarantees that need to be in place to ensure that all animals have completed withdrawal periods for any treatments they have received. This will mean that farmers who sell cattle through livestock markets will have to sign a declaration that all animals being sold have not been treated recently with drugs such as being dosed for worms or treated with antibiotics. This will cause massive problems for livestock markets, particularly for animals that are not sold through fat-stock sales."
He added: "This new proposal comes at the same time as DARD finalises their consultation on sheep ID. Under the new proposals markets are likely to have to electronically record individual sheep numbers entering and leaving markets and provide documentation for both farmers purchasing and selling livestock. I believe that these new rules will kill off all the autumn field sales that have played a vital role in my constituency of North Antrim for generations.
"Both of these new rules are going to significantly increase the paperwork and time associated with selling livestock through markets. This undoubtedly will drive up costs for livestock markets and put them at a competitive disadvantage compared to selling livestock direct to meat plants. In order to help with the introduction of the new rules I believe that DARD should re-introduce staff back into livestock markets in Northern Ireland."
Ian Paisley believes that livestock markets are vital in Northern Ireland.
"The majority of farmers in Northern Ireland still prefer to sell their livestock through live markets in Northern Ireland," he further explained.
"I believe that DARD needs to work with the sector to ensure that farmers get a fair and transparent price for the livestock that they are selling."
Northern Ireland Meat Exporters' Association (NIMEA) Chief Executive Phelim O'Neill told Farming Life that his organisation always looks for the same trading conditions for factories and marts.
He added:"Compliance with Food Chain Information will require factories to collect information from suppliers the same as markets. Regarding the reintroduction of DARD staff, these were withdrawn from factories as well as marts and factory staff had to undertake their duties and absorb the costs. Of course factories would welcome their return and the removal of both factory and market related costs."