An agreement between the Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) and hunting groups has been updated to "strengthen" the rights of farmers and landowners.

The UFU said it has agreed updates to the longstanding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with both Countryside Alliance Ireland and the Northern Ireland Masters of Hounds Association (NIMHA).

The farmer organisation said the changes will give farmers in Northern Ireland a greater say on whether hunting activities take place on their land.

The MoU was originally agreed in 2013, and the updates will take place from the beginning of the 2027 hunting season.

According to the UFU, the updated MoU strengthens accountability, and will require hunts to secure annual written permission from landowners, with routes agreed with farmers in advance.

It also includes an oversight mechanism to consider disputes that cannot be resolved locally, as well as an annual review process.

The UFU said that this will allow issues raised by members to be considered on an ongoing basis, and to be reflected in future changes to the MoU if necessary.

The farm organisation said it will monitor progress of the implementation of the agreement, and will work with other stakeholders to ensure landowners are aware of the updated agreement, and that hunts respect the new terms.

John McLenaghan, UFU president, said: "The UFU recognised the need to update and strengthen the original MOU to ensure it provides greater clarity and protection for landowners, particularly around access arrangements and responsibilities.

"We strongly welcome the engagement we have had with other stakeholders to achieve this update, which is in the interests of all involved", McLenaghan added.

"Hunts must comply with all instructions issued by landowners, and it is for each landowner to decide whether hunting activity is permitted on their property and under what conditions the activity takes place," he said.

According to the UFU president, the association's members have raised concerns regarding some hunt activity; though he also said many farmers are happy to allow hunts across their land for traditional country sports.

"The decision on whether a hunt can access land rests solely with the landowner, and this agreement provides the assurances and clarity needed moving forward," McLeneghan said.

Gary McCartney, director of Countryside Alliance Ireland, said: "This renewed memorandum demonstrates what can be achieved when the country pursuits and farming communities come together to agree and common set of standards.

"It provides landowners with real assurance while allowing traditional rural activities to continue on a properly regulated footing, supporting wildlife management, pest control, country pursuits and the rural way of life in Northern Ireland," McCartney added.