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UFU comment on budget announcement

UFU president William Irvine on his County Armagh farm. Picture: Cliff Donaldson

Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) president William Irvine said, “The UFU is bitterly disappointed the government has ignored all calls from the farming lobby around agricultural property relief. This has been the key for years to allowing farming families to pass on farms without the business being burdened with debt to meet the tax liability. The low threshold means this will affect every family farm business. The government’s stance has shattered trust and signals an alarming disconnect between policymakers and the realities facing family farms. Family farms are vital assets, but that does not make those who work them wealthy. This is a bad decision for the economy and for family farms and without action, these changes will compromise our nation’s food security.”

Further comments can be expected as we examine the detail of today’s Budget announcement.