Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) Committee Chairman, Robbie Butler MLA, has called on the UK government to specifically reduce the level of fuel duties impacting across agriculture in Northern Ireland.

The request was made at an informal meeting of representatives from the AERA grouping and their counterparts from the Westminster-based Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee, held on Day Two of this year’s Balmoral Show.

Butler further explained: “The request was made in recognition of the pivotal role played by agriculture within the economy of Northern Ireland as a whole.

“Moreover, we now know that the impact of farming and food locally resonates across the UK as a whole.

placeholder image — Lagan Valley MLA Robbie Butler

“A recent report, commissioned by the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association confirms that Northern Ireland accounts for only 3% of the population of the UK as a

whole, yet we contribute 10% of national food output.

“This is a highly significant figure, one that must be fully recognised in London.”

According to the Lagan Valley MLA, members of the EFRA Committee fully recognise the political emphasis that has been placed on the issues of food security and food sustainability at Westminster.

He added; “They also understand the role that farming and food in Northern Ireland can play in delivering this agenda.

“No other region of the UK has such a strong agricultural heritage: one that must be further encouraged into the future.

“The reality is that Exchequer funding levels have been significantly boosted given the significant increase in fuel prices that have resulted from the outbreak of hostilities in the Persian Gulf.

“So there is scope for Westminster to recognise the significant input challenges now facing local farmers, who are also having to cope with very significant increases in fertiliser and feed costs.”

Another outcome of the Balmoral Show meeting was the agreement reached to the effect that members of both committees will meet on a regular basis.

“And this communication network must also be expanded to include the relevant agriculture committees operating in Scotland and Wales,” the AERA Committee Chairman noted.

Meanwhile, the need grow the footprint of the local farming sector has been specifically addressed by the chief executive of the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association, Michael Bell.

He referenced a backdrop of the UK having no option but to expand the scope of its farming and food industries, adding: “It is current Westminster policy to retain food self sufficiency levels at around 63%.

“But given the backdrop of a growing population, this means that the indigenous output of agriculture in the UK must increase. And the same principle holds where food processing is concerned.”

The Food and Drink Association representative believes that, in such a context, agriculture and food in Northern Ireland can expand significantly.

He said: “And this will add to an already good news story. Northern Ireland currently accounts for an extremely significant proportion of th food produced in the UK.

“So in many ways, we are already punching above our weight given that such high levels of farming and food performance are being achieved from a region that accounts for only 3% of the UK’s total population.”

But according to Mr Bell this envisaged expansion must be achieved in a wholly sustainable manner.

He further explained: “There are a number of key environmental challenges which farming and food must address. The current phosphate problem in Lough Neagh is one of them.

“The high level of ammonia emissions from our livestock sectors is another.

“Investing in new technologies will help deliver the solutions that are required in this regard. And this will come through the private sector.”