Date for the diary
The organising committee with representatives from UAS, UFU and CAFRE announce the launch of a new and exciting arable event. Arable NI 2026 will take place on farm in the Moira area on Wednesday 3rd June 2026. Watch press and social media for further details.
(L-R) Jonathan Dunn UAS, Leigh McClean CAFRE, Glenn Cuddy UFU deputy president, Tom Wells and Richard Orr UFU, Tanya Maguire and Robin Bolton CAFRE.
UFU meet IFA
UFU Potato and Cereal representatives met recently with IFA. Both meetings had a full agenda, discussing challenges and much needed meaningful government support. Both sectors are impacted by poor prices, with much disruption in the local supply chair caused by high levels of imports. UFU continue to monitor the situation and have written to all local potato packers and processers asking they support local first before importing.
UFU meet DAERA seeking support for the Arable growers
A draft UFU arable support working document for both Cereal and Potato growers is being discussed with high level DAERA officials. Both the UFU Seeds and Cereal and Potato Policy Committees are mapping out the level of support necessary to stabilise the sectors. These negotiations are ongoing.
UFU on behalf of the arable (cereal) growers submitted a response to the consultation on contract practices in the combinable crops sector. This was an industry wide initiative by DEFRA, in collaboration with the Scottish Government, Welsh Government and DAERA. The aim of the consultation was to gather evidence on how the supply chain operates. UFU encouraged all growers in the supply chain to respond to the consultation. UFU awaits the findings.
Plant Protection Product update
UFU continues to meet with DEFRA and DAERA to monitor the planned delivery of the SPS UK/EU agreement. UFU has made it clear that a quick clean alignment is necessary to help remove all the anomalies between GB and NI growers. The vegetable sector once again is caught in a vacuum of additional cost and bureaucracy navigating Article 53 Emergency Use application processes and procedures. The cost of between £4000 to £10,000 per application is causing a high level of concern within the sector. UFU continues to monitor the situation and is in discussions with DAERA looking for funding streams to help address the problem. Horticulture Crop Protection (HCP) are willing to aid NI growers with applications, dependent on them being members of their relevant crop associations. UFU have briefed growers about the new model, explaining how this new body has taken over the original work provided by AHDB and that financial contribution is required from the grower.
UFU and CAFRE deliver 2026 Operator Roadshows
The workshops were attended and received well by growers requiring CPD points for membership of the National Register of Sprayer Operators and for Quality Assurance Audit requirements.
Equine: registration requirement update
From 1 February 2026, Registration of Equine Establishments obtaining an Equine Establishment Number (EEN) will be required when you apply for a horse passport, apply to update an existing horse passport, or apply for a replacement/duplicate horse passport. You should therefore ensure that you register your equine establishment now in advance of this date to avoid any delays in your passport application(s). It is a legal requirement to hold a valid, up to date passport for your equine.
You may be unable to sell, buy, move, transport or export your equine if you cannot provide a valid EEN and keep your passport up to date. Moving your equine to Great Britain, Ireland or other countries for competitions, shows or other activities requires an up-to-date passport and possibly an export health certificate (subject to export destination), which requires an EEN. Full details on DAERA website.
The Official Controls (Plant Protection Products) Regulations Northern Ireland 2020 – The Official Controls Regulations (OCR)
UFU remind farmers that OCR applies to all professional users including farmers of plant protection products (such as insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, molluscicides, and plant growth regulators), across all sectors including agriculture, horticulture, amenity and forestry. Operators and businesses may be inspected under the powers given by The Official Controls (Plant Protection Products) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 to ensure they comply with existing PPP legislation, including The Plant Protection Products Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 and The Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012. Farmers can access the registration link on the DAERA website. This link is currently live and has been operational for some time.
UFU are also currently in discussions with DAERA regarding transitioning from current paper record keeping official control records to mechanical readable (electronic) official control records.
