Union wants decision now on protein payments

In January of this year, the UFU submitted its response to DAERA’s consultation on the matter but no further communication on the outcome has occurred.

UFU deputy president William Irvine said: “We urge Minister Lyons to let farmers know what conclusion DAERA have come to on protein crop payments. The season is moving on and farmers have been left in a state of limbo as they await confirmation.

“In the meantime, we advise farmers to be cautious if they are sourcing seed and ensure they have secured a market for their crop as a protein crop payment has not yet got over the line. We urge members to seek assurance from local mills and merchants who will support high-quality, locally produced protein in feed rations.”

The consultation closed on 15 January 2021 and while the UFU are aware that DAERA had a short period of time to review all the responses received, they say growers need to be notified as soon as possible about the outcome to enable them to move forward and plan ahead.

Previously, DAERA had chosen not an implement an EU protein crops aid scheme, despite intensively lobbying on the part of the local arable sector. However, the measure was introduced in the Republic of Ireland, where the area of land dedicated to peas and beans has increased dramatically over the last decade.

According to Co Down arable farmer Allan Chambers beans grow well under the conditions that prevail in Northern Ireland. The residual nitrogen they leave in the soil will help boost the yields of subsequent cereal crops.

Allan added: “Research work carried out at AFBI Hillsborough confirms that beans can be successfully incorporated into dairy rations. So there is the potential to use home grown protein to substitute for imported soya.

“But compounders need a consistent source of supply. I believe that the availability of an area aid payment for beans will help make this happen.”

Significantly, Allan does not believe that the launch of a protein crops’ scheme will act to boost Northern Ireland’s arable acreage.

“But it will help to stabilise the sector,” he stressed.