The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) said it is intensifying its political engagement as pressures mount on farmers due to rising fuel, fertiliser and input costs.
UFU president, William Irvine, will begin series of high-level meetings with parties from across the political spectrum at Stormont this morning (Monday, April 13).
Later today, the UFU delegation will travel to Westminster for meetings with MPs and peers, as well as members of the House of Lords.
The union added that it also engaging directly with “senior government figures and key decision makers”.
UFU
Commenting ahead of the engagements, UFU President William Irvine said: “Farmers are facing a perfect storm of rising input costs, ongoing policy pressures and adverse weather conditions”.
“This latest surge in fuel and fertiliser prices is another serious threat to the viability of farm businesses across Northern Ireland.
“Today’s meetings are about rapid engagement with MPs and government and coordinating cross-party support for action.
“We are already engaging at the highest levels of government to ensure there is a clear understanding of the scale and urgency of the situation facing farmers,” he added.
Irvine said there is a “collective push” in the industry “to ensure government acts and that the concerns of Northern Ireland farmers are fully understood”.
“Without decisive intervention, there is a real risk to domestic food production and the long-term resilience of our agri-food sector.
“Farmers cannot continue to absorb these sustained pressures alone.
“This is another significant threat on top of the challenges farmers have already been dealing with, and we will continue to apply sustained pressure until meaningful action is delivered,” he said.
The UFU said it will continue its engagement throughout the day and in the days ahead as part of a coordinated effort to secure practical solutions and support for farm businesses.