Following BBCNI’s announcement of its plans for agriculture coverage, Ulster Farmers’ Union President Ian Marshall has said that farmers will be pleased that farming news will retain a dedicated programming slot and receive enhanced coverage on the BBC.
Ian Marshall said: “Farmers, the wider industry and many of our politicians made their views clear that dedicated farming news on the BBC is vitally important and to do away with it would be a complete disservice to the farming and rural communities, as well as the wider public. We are pleased that BBC have listened and have unveiled their plans, which includes maintaining a daily and dedicated farming programme slot, as well as enhanced coverage across its media platforms. Agri-food is one of the biggest industries in Northern Ireland, turning over approximately £4.5billion a year and employing nearly 100,000 people, and news from this sector is not only relevant and of interest to farmers but to the wider public as a whole.
“As we understand, the recruitment for a specialist Agriculture and Environmental Affairs Correspondent is currently underway and the Union believes strongly that it is essential that this individual has a strong background in agriculture and agri-food. We will be keeping a close eye on how the revised and enhanced coverage develops and we are committed to continuing to work with the BBC to see agriculture news prominently featured.”