McAleer addresses Stormont seminar regarding ANC

Speaking at a seminar inParliament Buildings on the proposed Areas with Natural Constraints (Payments) Bill on Wednesday, he said collaboration between academics, researchers and stakeholders was vital to addressing challenges facing farmers, sustaining farm businesses, protecting the rural environment and supporting rural communities.

The party's agriculture spokesperson said: “Farming in the north is an extremely challenging industry, with farmers facing mounting pressures from difficult weather conditions, volatile fuel and fertiliser prices, and farm-gate prices that can be close to, or even below, the cost of production.

“Throughout this Assembly mandate, the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee has heard first-hand about the impact these pressures are having on farmers and their families, not only financially but also on their mental and physical health. There are also very real concerns about the long-term viability of farm businesses and their ability to pass them on to the next generation.

“Here in West Tyrone, just under 60% of our land area is classified as Severely Disadvantaged Area (SDA) land. This underlines the particular challenges facing our local farming community.

“Across the north, Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) account for 38% of farms and 35% of the agricultural workforce. They are also hugely important to our beef and sheep sectors, accounting for 46% of total beef production and 56% of sheep production.

“The withdrawal of the previous ANC Scheme in 2018 removed an important source of financial support for farmers working in these challenging conditions. My Bill seeks to address that loss by reintroducing targeted support for farm families operating on our most disadvantaged land.

“This is about recognising the additional challenges these farmers face and ensuring they are not left behind. Supporting these businesses is vital, not only for individual farm families but also for the sustainability of our wider agri-food sector and rural communities."

The West Tyrone MLA added: “A key theme emerging from this seminar was the vital role that ANC farming plays in supporting biodiversity and environmental management, particularly in areas where traditional farming practices help maintain important habitats and landscapes.

“The seminar, which was attended by researchers from The Open University, academics and other key stakeholders, provided a valuable opportunity to hear research findings and share expertise that may help inform the Bill and its potential implementation.”