Balmoral warm words must be matched by action - McIlveen

Speaking in the Northern Ireland Assembly following last week’s Balmoral Show, Mrs McIlveen said the event once again demonstrated the importance of farming and food production to Northern Ireland’s economy and rural communities.

Michelle McIlveen MLA said: “Last week, tens of thousands of people from right across Northern Ireland gathered at the Balmoral Show to celebrate the very best of our agri-food sector, our family farms and our rural way of life. Like many Members, I spent time speaking to farmers, producers, manufacturers and local businesses. The message that I heard, repeatedly, was straightforward: people want this place to help rural Northern Ireland, not burden it with costs, more regulation and more bureaucracy.

“Every political party turns up to the Balmoral Show. There is no shortage of smiles, handshakes and warm words for the cameras during those four days in May, but warm words at a show mean little if they are not backed up by votes and policies for the other 51 weeks of the year.

“That is where the difference lies. The DUP has consistently stood with the agri-food sector when it matters. We opposed unrealistic climate targets that would pile additional pressures on to farmers and rural communities. We opposed the creation of a Climate Commissioner, which would have meant more bureaucracy and more cost. We have challenged policies that restrict infrastructure development and hold back the much-needed road projects that rural communities rely on.

“When concerns were raised about the flawed Nutrients Action Programme, it was the DUP that campaigned alongside farmers and rural organisations to force a rethink. As a result, the Agriculture Minister was compelled to revisit those proposals and engage more meaningfully with primary producers, rather than simply placing blame on the farming community.

“Unfortunately, other parties in the House chose a different path. Too often, Sinn Féin, Alliance, the Ulster Unionist Party and the SDLP have voted for policies that make life harder for Northern Ireland, while attempting to present a very different message when they arrive at Balmoral for a photo opportunity.

“Farmers do not need lectures from politicians who speak warmly at agricultural events while supporting measures that increase costs, weaken competitiveness and make it harder to produce food. Agriculture is not a problem to be managed; it is one of Northern Ireland’s greatest strengths.

“It sustains tens of thousands of jobs, contributes billions of pounds to our economy and plays a central role in maintaining the social fabric of rural communities.

“Those who work in the industry deserve more than token gestures once a year. They deserve representatives who will stand up for them consistently - not only at the Balmoral Show, but in the Chamber when votes are cast and decisions are made.”