Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said serious allegations surrounding the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute at Hillsborough must be addressed openly and transparently in order to restore confidence within the farming community.

Following the release of recent footage by GB News at the weekend, Ms Lockhart said it is vital that legitimate concerns are not dismissed.

“AFBI plays an important role in Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector, and I want to place on record my respect for the many dedicated scientists, researchers and staff who work within the organisation and who care deeply about supporting agriculture,” she said.

“However, the serious questions now being asked need to be directed at senior management and the governance of the organisation,” explained Ms Lockhart. She has previously expressed concern at the lack of farmer representation on the AFBI board.

“In my opinion, Parliamentary time must be allocated to debate this matter within the Stormont Assembly,” Ms Lockhart added.

The MP said the footage broadcast in Dougie Beattie’s report last weekend had prompted significant concern among farmers and required a clear and concise response.

Carla Lockhart added: “Journalists have an important role in scrutinising institutions and delivering factual news content. That role must be respected. It is therefore deeply concerning that AFBI appears to have been reluctant to allow GB News access to its Hillsborough site.

“I met with the Chief Executive of AFBI, Dr Stanley McDowell, in early February, to discuss a number of issues that have been brought to my attention.

“One of the issues included the data breach which disclosed personal information from 265 farmers and other public and commercial entities. The information was released in error following a freedom of information request in March 2024. However, it took almost 18 months to discover the breach and inform those involved.

“We also discussed videos that have been circulating on social media, and other images, some of which were shown in the GB News expose.”

During the meeting the MP said she encouraged AFBI to engage openly with farmers, industry voices and the media. She added that she will now be seeking clarity as to why access was restricted following several requests for interview from Dougie Beattie.

The DUP Agriculture spokesperson also raised concerns about what many farmers see as potential double standards.

“Farmers across Northern Ireland operate under some of the most stringent environmental and animal welfare regulations,” she said. “If inspectors discovered issues such as injured animals, slurry tanks overflowing or slurry spreading outside permitted periods, farmers would inevitably face prosecution and, in some cases restrictions on keeping livestock.

“I appreciate that the allegations made against AFBI stem back two or three years. The historic lack of transparency and openness has, in my opinion, exacerbated the current situation.

“Whilst I understand the issues have been fully and independently investigated, it would have been better to be more upfront from the outset. Farmers have accused the Government of operating a two-tier system.

“This week in Stormont, the Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir referred to one of the pollution incidents at AFBI Hillsborough as “low severity”. The reality is that farmers do not get the luxury of having pollution incidents categorised in that way when enforcement action is taken against them.”

Ms Lockhart said there are heightening frustrations within the farming fraternity. “The majority of farmers feel increasingly undermined and, at times, harassed by government departments. There is a growing perception that enforcement is one-sided, and that standards expected of farmers are not reflected elsewhere.

“It is therefore entirely reasonable that farmers are asking questions and seeking clarity on what has happened.”

Carla Lockhart MP has outlined a number of key issues that she says she believes require answers:

- Were concerns raised by whistle-blowers brought to elected representatives within the Alliance Party and, if so, were they raised with the Minister?

- If the incidents highlighted are historical, what action was taken at the time and what safeguards have since been introduced?

- Were any animal welfare concerns during research trials properly reported and addressed?

- How were issues such as Bovear milk disposal, slurry spreading and slurry tank overflows managed?

The MP also warned that trust between the farming community and government-backed institutions has been strained in recent years.

“Once widely regarded as an independent research body, AFBI is now, by its own admission, financially beholding to DAERA. This lack of independence has shifted farmer perception, particularly following the Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) process and ongoing policy discussions around methane reduction within the dairy sector.

“The Minister and his Department must learn to ‘read the room’. Farmers want research and investment that supports productivity, food production and the long-term sustainability of agriculture - not policies that appear disconnected from the day-to-day realities on farms.”

Ms Lockhart concluded by calling for transparency and accountability.

“AFBI has an important role to play in the future of our agri-food industry. However, rebuilding trust will require openness, leadership and a willingness from senior management to answer the questions fully.

“Farmers and the hardworking staff within AFBI deserve nothing less.”

Following Saturday’s report AfBI said it takes all concerns and allegations extremely seriously.

A statement added: “As such AFBI have undertaken an extensive and thorough investigation, under AFBI’s raising concern policy, into concerns relating to animal welfare and environmental controls on the AFBI Hillsborough site.”

And on Thursday it said it welcomed the opportunity to meet the President and senior representatives of the UF to discuss the allegations presented in the media and’provide confidence in the robust investigations and inspections that were undertaken in relation to the AFBI Hillsborough farm’.

A statement continued: “AFBI acknowledges the strength of feeling within the farming community and fully appreciates the importance of building trust and confidence among farmers.

“During the meeting, each of the issues raised was discussed openly and in detail. AFBI emphasised that all the allegations raised had been previously investigated and the circumstances fully considered. “Furthermore, the reviews, particularly from independent, external agencies alongside ongoing external oversight, provided important reassurance regarding standards and practices at the research farm.

“AFBI welcomes the constructive ongoing working relationship with the UFU. The Institute reaffirmed its commitment to transparent and constructive engagement with the entire farming community and the opportunities to strengthen and formalise this engagement."