Yesterday 12 August, the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) met with Northern Ireland (NI) Assembly Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) Committee representatives on Jessica Pollock’s family farm in Castlederg Co. Tyrone, to showcase some of the many ways farmers have been improving on-farm efficiencies and introducing new technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
UFU president Victor Chestnutt said, “The meeting with MLA representatives gave us the opportunity to demonstrate in person, what our farmers are doing daily to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on their farm, working to combat climate change while continuing to produce high-quality food to world leading standards.
“Major talking points during the visit included low emissions slurry spreading equipment, renewable energy technologies, fertiliser efficiencies, feed to yield systems, carbon sequestration and animal health improvements.”
Guiding Mr Chestnutt and the group of MLAs around her home farm, Jessica explained how she began farming full-time and outlined how farmers are committed and willing to play their vital role in addressing climate change.
“Jessica highlighted the great work she, like many other farmers, are doing such as implementing renewable energy technologies including solar panels and a hydro-electric turbine. Jessica has implemented a breeding programme over the past five years to produce a crossbred animal that has the advantages of each breed and is increasing carbon sequestration through planting hedges and farmland trees. She discussed the ways in which she wants to develop their family farm business to benefit both the environment and consumers.
“As a young farmer, Jessica went on to highlight how her generation is the future of the farming industry in Northern Ireland and that they are already steering agriculture in a positive direction with an environmental focus at the forefront. She made it very clear that to ensure that the great work of farmers can continue, we need support from government and the right legislative framework to be able to deliver the balance of high-quality food production and low carbon farming. It’s vital to ensure that there is a future for sustainable family farms across Northern Ireland and to protect our local food security,” said the UFU president.
AERA Committee MLAs viewing the hydro-electric turbine on Jessica Pollocks farm in Co. Tyrone.
UFU president Victor Chestnutt, Jessica Pollock and chairman of NI Assembly AERA Committee Declan McAleer.
AERA Committee MLAs visiting Jessica Pollocks farm.
AERA Committee MLAs visiting Jessica Pollocks farm.
UFU office bearer team pictured with Jessica Pollock.
