Robbie Butler MLA recognises the concerns of Northern Irish farmers regarding the possibility of de-stocking herds into the future.

Such a process could be conceived as as part of a policy to reduce the environmental footprint of production agriculture.

Northern Ireland’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) Committee chair firmly believes that expanding food output in the region will be good for farming businesses and the rural community as a whole.

Making this happen, he believes will be achieved through the improved use of organic manures.

Butler explained: “I want all farming businesses in Northern Ireland maintained as sustainable and viable entities into the future.

“And this means making the proper supports available for the industry.

“In this context, it is important to expand the debate on the role of anaerobic digestion within agriculture.

“From my party’s perspective, we see a real opportunity here to take away the fear associated with de-stocking.

“This threat has been hanging over many farms for quite some time.”

According to Butler, it is important to move the debate forward “in a positive manner”.

“The real opportunity is that of dealing with all farm nutrients in a constructive manner,” he continued.

“We also need to tie down the issue of food security based on the recognition that agriculture in Northern Ireland can drive exports in a very significant manner.

“And linked to this is the issue of energy security – using our slurry in a different way.

“All of this represents a tremendous opportunity for local agriculture, particularly when one considers the geopolitical shocks coming our way at the present time.”

The Lagan Valley-based politician has consistently highlighted the tremendous quality of the food produced in Northern Ireland and the investment made by many thousands of farm families in making this happen.

“Agriculture and food are at the very heart of our local economy. And this situation must be fully retained into the future,” he said.

“It is vitally important that all of the political parties represented at Stormont fully recognise this reality.”

Significantly, the AERA Committee chair points to the need for effective support being made available for farmers in an Area of Natural Constraint (ANC).

But support measures of this nature, he points out, must be seen to deliver a strong element of public good.

“It is in this context that enhanced levels of tree planting should be incorporated within a future ANC support scheme,” Butler added.