The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has met directly with senior political leaders in Northern Ireland to seek “urgent action” on rising costs.
Members of the UFU met with First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly to highlight in person the impact of rising input costs on farm families.
UFU president, William Irvine, said: “This was a constructive and significant meeting.
“We made it clear that farmers across Northern Ireland are under immense pressure and that there is a need for both immediate support and a coordinated response across government”.
The UFU outlined that during the meeting it set out the immediate challenges facing the agri-food sector, including the impact of rising fuel, fertiliser and energy costs on farm viability.
It also warned of the need for both “short-term relief and longer-term support” and of the consequences for domestic food production if action is not taken.
One other key issue that was discussed with the political leaders was in relation to what the farming organisation has described as the “confusion and mixed messaging” around the supports that are currently available to farmers.
Fuel protests
Separately the Traditional Unionist Voice MLA Timothy Gaston has spoken out in favour of recent fuel protests held in Northern Ireland.
Gaston made the comments in a Stormont Assembly debate, where he said that the fuel protests witnessed over the past week did not appear overnight.
He added: “Tension has been building for many months as a reaction to the government overreach.
“For many ordinary working people, the ‘alarm clock workers’ who keep our economy moving, enough is enough.
“The rising cost of fuel is the final straw, adding to the already significant pressures on businesses, with the UK having the highest industrial energy price and endless red tape.
“Today, working men and women are watching closely to see whether the Labour Government and this Executive are prepared to take action to ease those burdens.”
According to the TUV representative farmers are the backbone of our rural and wider economy.
He said: “Time and time again, they go above and beyond, responding to the needs of their economy.
“They clear the trees after storms, they clear the roads after heavy snowfall, and help during flooding.
“They work long hours, often for below minimum wage, to produce high-quality produce that feeds our nation.”
Gaston went on say that the police response last week to the East Belfast protest was “heavy-handed and excessive”.
He added: “I have no doubt that, unless action is taken by those in Westminster and here in Stormont, these protests will grow in number in the weeks and months ahead.”