Sugden encourages farmers to shape final NAP proposals

"When the original NAP proposals were announced, they caused widespread concern throughout the farming community. Many farmers feared they would place an unacceptable burden on family farms at a time when the sector is already facing significant pressures,” she said.

"I understand the revised proposals reflect changes following discussions with the farming sector, and I'm being told that many smaller farms may not now be affected in the way they originally feared. While that will come as welcome news to many, there are still farmers who are worried about what these proposals could mean for their businesses. It is important those concerns are not overlooked.

"Our farming community is already carrying an enormous weight. Rising costs, uncertainty around future support, concerns over inheritance tax and the everyday pressures of running a farm have all taken their toll. Farmers are not asking for special treatment—they are asking for policies that are fair, practical and recognise the realities of farming in Northern Ireland.

"This consultation must be more than a box-ticking exercise. If there are still issues that could have unintended consequences for farm businesses, they need to be heard and properly considered before any final decisions are made. I would encourage farmers to take the opportunity to respond to the consultation, and I also want to hear directly from those across East Londonderry so I can continue to raise their concerns."