Ulster Unionist DRD Minister Danny Kennedy MLA and Agriculture Spokesperson Jo-Anne Dobson MLA have met with representatives of the Northern Ireland Fruit Growers Association at Parliament Buildings Stormont.
The Association represents all top fruit growers in the production of apples from small to large holdings.
Meeting ahead of a recent debate in the Assembly Chamber on the present crisis in farming, the association members brought their concerns for the future of their industry to the politicians.
They highlighted that the industry is struggling as a result of the recent adverse weather conditions which have resulted in an estimated drop of over 60% in their crop yield and urged the need for fair pricing and long-term stability for the sector.
Commenting afterwards Danny Kennedy said: “As MLA for Newry and Armagh I am acutely aware of the rich heritage of apple growing in the local area. For the Assembly to debate present crisis in farming is helpful in highlighting the plight of farmers across Northern Ireland and puts pressure on the Minister of Agriculture to take action.
“Fruit Growers have explained the very particular circumstances of their sector and detailed the actions which they would like to see coming from DARD. They also want to see an increase in the allocation of research funding to include a fair share for the apple industry.”
Commenting, Ulster Unionist Agriculture Spokesperson Jo-Anne Dobson said: “The Agricultural Industry in Northern Ireland needs urgent steps to be taken to ensure its long-term stability and indeed ensure a fair price for producers, processors and retailers.
“The Fruit Growers Association came to Stormont to hear what help the Department of Agriculture could give to them. Sadly, there was little comfort to be taken from what the Minister had to say.
“They are quite right to call for parity with their counterparts in England, Scotland and Wales and indeed in the Republic of Ireland. Their plight is not dissimilar to that of beef, pig and dairy farmers who have all called for stability and sustainability to be brought into the local industry.
“Following on from the successful debate on the ‘farming crisis’ in the Assembly Chamber the Ulster Unionist Party believe it is only right that processors and retailers are made to account for their part in the looming harvest of devastation facing our farmers and producers.
“In an effort to question processors and retailers, I proposed at a recent meeting of the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee that, if the Minister is not going to take effective action, the committee should invite them to give evidence and take direct questions. I am pleased to say that this proposal was indeed passed and we await the response of retailers with great interest.
“My Party have also long called for the introduction of a Groceries Code Adjudicator and we would again press the coalition Government to oversee the progress of this Bill through Parliament as a matter of urgency to assist our local producers.
“I and my Ulster Unionist Party colleagues will continue to press the Minister of Agriculture to take action to help the industry and ensure we have a long-term viable future for farming in Northern Ireland.”