UFU Deputy President William Irvine on his County Armagh farm. Picture: Cliff Donaldson
The Ulster Farmers’ Union believe that the AERA Committee hold a key role in ensuring accountability from the DAERA Minister and his department. A vote of no confidence in DAERA was unanimously passed by the UFU at its Executive Committee meeting last Wednesday, following mounting frustration from UFU members on how the department is handling key issues affecting farmers.
Following a meeting with AERA Committee chair Robbie Butler MLA and vice chair Declan McAleer MLA in Stormont this week, UFU president William Irvine said, “We discussed farmers frustrations on a number of topics and the consequence of the no confidence vote in DAERA and what that means for the future.
“We outlined that we are willing to play our part in creating an environmentally and economically sustainable agriculture industry. We want to see a full reset from DAERA going forward on how they approach key issues affecting farmers, ensuring transparency is to the fore and that respect is given for the positions of the UFU.
“From wildlife intervention to tackle bTB, the need for a planning policy which includes betterment and renewal of existing farm buildings, the need for sheep sector support and a generational renewal scheme, DAERA is failing to deliver for the farming industry.
“The UFU stand ready to work with DAERA, but farmers need recognition for the massive strides they have already taken to improve water quality and protect the environment, and DAERA need to show a willingness to work at pace on key issues. We also reiterated that the NI Executive need to begin a process of reviewing and amending the Climate Change Act to ensure the unachievable targets are removed.
“We have also met with DUP representatives in Stormont on the issues and will continue to engage with the AERA Committee. We strongly encourage the AERA Committee to continue with the vital work they are doing and will submit a formal request to speak with the committee in full in the coming weeks.”
