Ulster Unionist MLA and party Agriculture Spokesperson Jo-Anne Dobson MLA has lobbied the Agriculture Minister to provide a scheme to support Northern Ireland’s struggling suckler industry.
The Upper Bann MLA was making her comments following her questioning of the Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill at this week’s meeting of the Agriculture Committee at Stormont.
Commenting she said:
“Major investment in a suckler scheme by the Government in the Republic of Ireland is seen there by farmers as a strong vote of confidence in their suckler beef sector. I am calling for the Minister to step up to the plate and introduce a similar scheme for Northern Ireland.
“With recent price drops in beef, and further cuts on the horizon, farmers within our local beef industry are telling me that they are fearful for the future viability of the sector.
“Prices have been falling fast and farmers are going through a difficult time, not least facing restrictive measures on the movement of cattle and the uncertainty this will bring.
“A local scheme would not only help sustain our premium quality beef farmers, but would also be aimed at improving efficiency, profitability and viability at farm level.
“Everyone must receive a fair slice of the cake – it mustn’t be large portions for processors and retailers and the thin end for farmers.
“The Minister must take action now or farmers will face the long-term consequences of losing an industry which produces premium quality beef and is the envy of farmers in countries across the world.”