MP seeks fair treatment for weather-hit farmers

MP seeks fair treatment for weather-hit farmers

12 June 2013

CHALLENGES facing the South Down farming industry topped the agenda at a special meeting last week.

Farmers from across the constituency met with Margaret Ritchie MP and outlined the impact the poor weather conditions over the past year have had on the industry.

Miss Ritchie said the poor weather presented farmers with some of the most challenging farming conditions in decades with last year’s wet summer,

followed by a harsh and prolonged winter, creating a fodder and a cash-flow crisis for the industry.

The MP continued: “Farmers have been selling breeding stock and dairy cows to raise funds to purchase additional fodder. This has reduced their capital bases and, in the longer term, will reduce farm incomes and impede growth of the agri-food sector, the most important industry in our economy.

“Unfortunately, the weather hasn’t been the only challenge facing the industry. Farmers are contending with the continued problem of TB destroying cattle herds, uncertainty over Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) reforms and the lack of young people choosing farming as a career.

Miss Ritchie said the underlying issue for farmers is a lack of profitability, arguing that in addition to deterring young people entering the industry, it’s also preventing on-farm investment and creating uncertainty for the future.

The MP said to address this underlying issue, farmers must get a fair farm-gate price for their produce.

She added: “Northern Ireland farm produce is produced to the highest animal welfare and environmental standards anywhere in the world. Farm-gate prices must reflect this.

“Farmers must be given a direct role in price negotiations and tenders between processors and retailers to ensure they receive a fair price that will provide a sustainable, profitable future for the industry and the wider economy of Northern Ireland.”

The South Down MP has also called on the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to review its decision not to compensate farmers who had farm buildings damaged following the heavy snowfall last March.