FFA support for bill

The proposed legislation aims to establish a legal framework for reducing the emissions that are driving climate break down. Its endorsement at Stormont would see Northern Ireland achieve a net-zero carbon status by 2045.

“This is a huge ask but achievable,” explained FFA’s William Taylor.

“However, the climate change bill must be complimented by the Northern Ireland Farm Welfare Bill, put forward by Northern Ireland Farm Groups and currently with the Agriculture Committee.”

He added: “The NI Farm Welfare Bill, which will return family farmers a minimum of the cost of production inflation linked plus a margin for their produce, would allow local family farmers to invest in new technologies that will drive down the carbon footprint of their businesses.”

FFA foresees a new future for agriculture in Northern Ireland, one that is based on enhanced crop rotations using new tools – while still maintaining overall food output.

William Taylor again: “We will be able to eliminate the use of fossil fuels within our industry, control fertilizer levels and vastly reduce spray usage with new tools.

“The farming community will choose to either follow the corporate route of producing more food at unsustainable prices or follow the exciting, new climate change route envisaged within the farm welfare bill.”

He concluded: “There is no good reason why family farmers can’t be properly paid!

“The farming community will chose common sense; as hopefully Covid-19 continues to subside and the NI Farm Welfare Bill moves forward alongside the climate change Bill in our combined aim of a better, more prosperous and sustainable Northern Ireland.

“Our family farm structure is best placed to deliver for the new healthy environment we all desire.”