Commodity watch by senior policy officer, Patricia Erwin
Northern Ireland (NI) Protocol impacts NI farmers
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) continue to meet with growers, industry representatives, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) officials to help find solutions for the movement of seeds and plant protection products from Great Britain into NI. Meetings at the highest level continue in a bid to make DEFRA and the UK Government better understand the huge logistical and financial pressure resulting within the industry. The UFU have been negotiating with and informing DEFRA, Government and EU officials on the impact being experienced currently and more importantly the feared longer term impact on agriculture should workable solution not be found. Across the board access to labour sits high on the agenda.
COVID-19 – Financial support for potato sector
The UFU called on Government to support the potato sector in 2021. This support was granted by DAERA Minister, Edwin Poots and many growers have benefited from the scheme. The UFU understand a small number of applicants have been asked to provide additional information to progress within the application process. The UFU encourages all farmers to submit with DAERA all outstanding requested documentation as quickly as possible.
Future can be bright – Northern Ireland Food Strategy Framework consultation
The UFU vegetable and potato committees endorse the Veg NI response regarding the Northern Ireland Food Strategy Framework consultation – ‘Food at the Heart of our Society – A prospectus for Change’.
The UFU vegetable and potato committees welcome the space to respond and endorse the Veg NI response with enthusiasm and look forward to embracing the real opportunities presented within the consultation.
The framework is ambitious and to deliver all the benefits to NI and allow vegetable and potato farmers to capitalise on the huge potential that exists, they will require meaningful long term commitment across a number of areas from Government. Our members in both vegetable and potato production believe they can assist Government deliver in a positive manner to achieve the desired outcomes presented within the consultation. The framework document is set at a high level and sets out the intended direction of travel, the real challenge for all will be converting words and sentiments into an agreed action plan delivering benefit for all.
This framework for success cannot be allowed to get stuck within bureaucratic slow reacting structures but be couched around and lead by the right industry representatives with the ability to harness industry engagement, Government ambition and deliver success for all.
UFU vegetable and potato growers endorse the Veg NI response and agree ‘major benefits to be gained if the words contained within the Framework document can be turned into action’.
