NI’s ‘food security must be treated as a strategic priority’

The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has called on the government to prioritise Northern Ireland’s food security following the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

With fuel and fertiliser prices steadily on the rise, the union’s deputy president, John McLenaghan said that farmers need stability to continue producing food for consumers.

He noted: “Events unfolding in Iran underline just how vulnerable global supply chains can be.

“We are already seeing signs over the past number of days that energy, fuel and fertiliser prices could increase significantly.

“However, farmers cannot continue to absorb escalating costs without support and confidence from government and the wider supply chain.”

With spring already underway and summer soon to come, McLenaghan acknowledged that many livestock and dairy farmers will be planning forage for autumn, while arable growers are looking ahead to crop production for 2026/2027.

He urged the government and companies in the supply chain to provide farmers with some security so they can make decisions about ordering inputs and planning production for the next 12-18 months.

Supply chain

The UFU warned that the US-Iran conflict could present profiteering opportunities for businesses across the supply chain to the detriment of farmers.

“We cannot have a situation where companies in the supply chain profiteer from global instability.

“Farmers provide the critical foundation on which the entire agri-food sector is built, and their businesses are fundamental to the success of companies throughout the supply chain,” McLenaghan commented.

He added that the wider supply chain must recognise the importance of supporting farmers and ensuring that they have the confidence to continue investing in food production.

Imports

With Iran already closing trade routes in recent weeks, the UFU stated that the ongoing war “reinforces the need for stronger domestic food production” and less imports into Northern Ireland.

According to the union’s deputy president, Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector has the capacity to produce more, however domestic food production in areas, such as fruit and vegetables, reportedly continues to fall.

“Food must be recognised as a strategic asset.

“Our farmers and growers are ready to be part of the solution, supporting healthy diets, improving environmental outcomes and building a more resilient food system.

“But that requires a food system that values the people who produce our food and supports them to innovate and invest for the future,” McLenaghan outlined.

Northern Ireland

The union also noted that Northern Ireland’s unique selling point in the global food and drink industry is the origin and quality of its produce, which is “protected by family farms across the country”.

McLenaghan said: “From meat and dairy to crops, eggs, fruit and vegetables, our family farms underpin the success of the wider food and drink industry.

“Ensuring they remain viable is essential not only for farmers, but for consumers and the wider economy.”

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