UUP offers conditional support for Areas of Natural Constraint Bill

The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has said it will support the Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) Bill from Sinn Féin MLA Declan McAleer under certain conditions.

The bill proposes the re-introduction of ANC payments, which had previously been available up to 2018.

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) Committee chair and UUP Agriculture spokesperson Robbie Butler said that support for the bill will be on the condition that “credible funding is secured, clear and measurable outcomes are defined, and the bill aligns with a coherent, long term agricultural policy”.

Butler said the UUP will support the bill’s “progression to Committee Stage”.

However, he added that the party’s support depends on the Northern Ireland Executive “providing clear answers on funding, targeting, and strategic alignment before the bill moves further”.

He said: “Since Brexit, Northern Ireland farmers have lost access to longstanding EU schemes designed to support those working in disadvantaged areas, schemes that once delivered stability and predictability.

“Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland continues to invest around €250 million annually in its ANC programme, and Scotland’s Less Favoured Area Support Scheme still delivers more than £60 million a year.”

He said that it is “neither fair nor sustainable that Northern Ireland farmers, facing similar or greater constraints, remain at a competitive disadvantage”.

‘Opportunity’

Butler described the bill as “a welcome opportunity to correct that imbalance and strengthen food security”.

However, he added, “to secure our support beyond today, key issues must be addressed”.

The UUP agriculture spokesperson said that the Northern Ireland Executive “must confirm the funding source” and that “public money must deliver public goods, yet while the bill references the environmental role of ANC farmers, it does not require measurable outcomes”.

“Payments should therefore be linked to verifiable results,” Butler said.

“Strategic coherence is also essential: this measure must sit within a long‑term agricultural policy, complementing targeted support for the sheep sector, as identified by the Sheep Taskforce and contributing to wider goals such as the ‘30 by 30’ nature restoration target and increased afforestation.”

Northern Ireland has committed to contribute to the UK’s fulfilment of the global ’30 by 30′ target, that at least 30% of land and sea is effectively conserved and managed by 2030.

Butler added: “Northern Ireland farmers should no longer be left behind their counterparts in the Republic of Ireland and Scotland.

“This bill can help secure farm viability and protect rural communities, but without these assurances it risks simply shifting financial pressure within the sector.

“I look forward to Declan and Sinn Féin providing the detailed answers required at Committee Stage to ensure real progress is made.”

McAleer

Separately, McAleer recently discussed the bill with Agriland.

He said: “ANC payments will ensure that monies will flow into rural communities that need it most: benefitting local businesses, schools and community services.

“I believe there is a broad degree of political support at Stormont for the ANC bill.”

He added: “Obviously, there is a requirement to find a budget for the measure, should it reach the statute book.”

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