Ulster Unionist MLA Jo-Anne Dobson has accused the Department of Agriculture of backtracking on their previous comments on the introduction of a Capital Grants scheme for local farmers.
Commenting the Ulster Unionist Party’s Agriculture Spokesperson said:
“Since I was elected to Stormont I have called for a large scale capital grants scheme to be put in place by the Department of Agriculture – this is a long term aim of the Ulster Unionist Party as we put the needs of farmers first.
“Last May I received assurance from the Minister that a scheme, similar to the Scottish model, was being investigated by her Department. Yet at the Agriculture Committee last week when I again raised the issue a senior Director told me that a capital grants scheme is ‘not as effective as you might think.’ A total reversal of the previous position.
“I will continue to press DARD until they deliver a scheme for local farmers. This is feasible for Tranche 4 of FMP as funding is yet to be made available at levels which would allow local farmers to engage in large scale modernisation projects.
“Similar such schemes are already operating to great success in other regions of the United Kingdom and I have previously written to the Minister to request that she explore these schemes and take steps to ensure that our local industry is not left at a completive disadvantage.
“We also support measures which are specifically aimed at new entrant farmers as a means of benefiting the industry as a whole and ensuring its continued significant contribution to our local economy. I am continuing to lobby to have the Level 3 qualification entry lowered as this is far too high for many young farmers in the industry and would be a barrier rather than an aid to young farmers planning their businesses for the future.
“I have long said if it’s good enough for Scottish farmers capital grants should be made available in Northern Ireland. Not the small scale grants of the past, but decent grants to help farmers.
“A Northern Ireland scheme would encourage young farmers to remain in and indeed return to the industry, something which with an ageing farm population we should all be supportive of. Yet the DARD director did not seem to take this point on board – saying many farmers ‘have succession issues already addressed.’ Tell that to the farmers who continue to approach me to press for large scale capital investment into the industry – they see the benefits, I see the benefits – it’s up to DARD to start acting in the best interests of our farmers and the industry as a whole!"