There is a total disconnect between grassroots farming families in Northern Ireland and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) officials.

This is according to Diana Armstrong, the recently appointed chair of the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) Committee at Stormont.

And, according to the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) representative, it is an issue that extends beyond the civil servants involved to the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs himself, Andrew Muir.

She explained: “The recent Fivemiletown cull of cattle was a tipping point moment.

"The reality is that most farmers now live in fear when it comes to them dealing with Department of Agriculture staff."

According to Armstrong, farmers previously "could have sought advice on specific issues in a confidential and constructive manner".

“Now the belief is that matters of concern expressed to department officials could quickly become a focal point for investigation.

The AERA chair also said farmers feel put "to the pin of their collar" where issues pertaining to the implementation of regulations are concerned.

Armstrong said: “I intend addressing these issues in a proactive manner in my capacity as the AERA Committee chair.

“Current Department of Agriculture procedures are out-of-step with grassroots farming opinion.

The MLA for Femanagh and South Tyrone belies that local agriculture must take a balanced approach where food production and the protection of the environment are concerned.

She said: “But the first step in this process is to ensure that farmers are fully recognised for the tremendous steps that have taken in protecting the environment over many years.

“And this is fully reflected in the level of investment they have already made to this end.

Armstrong also wants more to be done in supporting young farmers.

“They are the future,” she stressed.

“And I am extremely mindful of the very large commitments these young people will be making as they start out on their careers in production agriculture.”

NAP

All of these issues will addressed within the remit of a new Nutrients Action Programme (NAP), according to the AERA chair.

She welcomed the coming together of stakeholder groups "across the entire spectrum of farming and food" to put together a package of NAP proposals that "reflect the realities" of farm practices implemented in Northern Ireland.

“But it’s now important we agree a series of final measures that are affordable and workable," Armstrong said.

Significantly, the AERA chair is not committing to a time for NAP that will see all the appropriate legislation across the line before the end of Stormont’s current mandate.

She explained: “It’s important we get these matters right. I want to see our farming and food sectors having the wherewithal to expand on a sustainable basis.

“And NAP must be the vehicle to allow this happen.

“Making best use of slurry has been identified as a NAP priority. And rightly so.

“Given this reality, I see no reason why more flexible slurry spreading periods cannot be introduced.”