Concern about future of direct support

Mr McAleer, who is also chair of the Agriculture committee said: “The Single Farm Payment is essential for the survival of many farm businesses. During evidence sessions on the Agriculture Bill we heard from experts at Queens University that without the direct payment at least 30% of farms would go out of business.

“Whilst it is welcome that the £293 million allocation has been retained, there is concern for future years as to whether the British government will honour this allocation post Brexit. The recent actions of Boris Johnson and his government in relation to the Internal Market Bill and their opposition to amending the Agriculture Bill to protect against low standard food imports, has done little to inspire confidence in them.

“The 4.3% increase, brought about by an £8 million differential between the value of direct payments made to farmers and the £293 million ring fenced budget, has also come as great news to many farmers.

“While I welcome this, it is important to highlight that the Minister’s decision to halt the transition towards an equal rate per unit for all farmers at year 5 of the 7 year transition period, has deprived farmers with entitlements below the regional average of up to a 14% increase in their entitlement value this year and next year.

“This will have a particularly detrimental impact on sheep and beef farmers in the SDA areas who have been labouring for years with entitlement values well below the regional average.”