UFU president meets with new DAERA minister

Following the meeting Mr Chestnutt, pictured, said: “I had a very constructive meeting with Minister Lyons and brought to his attention the major issues that have been ongoing for our UFU members and need to be addressed immediately.

“At the top of the list was the unresolved issue of the Glenelly Valley and North West flooding which occurred in 2017.

“Almost four years have passed and despite our continued lobbying efforts to gain compensation for those badly affected by this unprecedented event, support has never been granted to them. Next was Bovine TB and the increasing frustration of livestock producers who have reached breaking point due to the inaction of DAERA.”

The UFU expressed its concern to the DAERA Minister about Northern Ireland processing grants being non-existent compared to the Republic of Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom.

The UFU president also discussed other key issues including Brexit, the Irish Sea border and a need for an ammonia consultation to be launched.

Mr Chestnutt encouraged Minister Lyons to explore all avenues to avail of the remaining COVID-19 funding to counterbalance the extra costs placed on the food industry due to market disruptions.

“Important work needs to be done to allow the farming industry to reach its full potential. COVID-19 support and the increasing costs for our farmers and processors due to the restrictions were discussed,” the president said.

“It is vital that our farming families and those affected in the food chain get essential support. It is vital to ensure that our agriculture industry comes out the other side of this pandemic in a stable position that allows us to build towards a brighter future.

“It was encouraging to hear that Minister Lyons is going to make decisions whilst in charge. We need decisions and we need them fast.

“The interim minister has already delivered some of the things that the UFU have asked for including a protein crop pilot scheme and COVID-19 compensation money.

“We hope this is a sign of the things yet to come and I look forward to working with the new minister for the betterment of the agriculture industry,” said the UFU president.

The UFU has requested a meeting regarding the progress of the issues outlined by the UFU, with the Department for Economy, the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association and the DAERA Minister.