The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) met with Sinn Féin MLA, Declan McAleer, at Stormont recently to discuss his forthcoming private members’ bill on the reinstatement of the Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) payment.
The UFU Hill Farming Committee welcomed the announcement, describing it as a positive step toward restoring vital financial support for sheep, beef and dairy farmers working in severely disadvantaged area (SDA) across Northern Ireland.
UFU deputy president, Glenn Cuddy, said, “We are encouraged to see leadership being taken to get money back into ANC areas of Northern Ireland. Reinstating this payment is vital to provide targeted support to farmers working on severely disadvantaged land.
“We need to see livestock numbers sustained in ANC areas, not continuing to fall. Unfortunately, livestock numbers have declined according to the 2025 census, which reflects a 4% decline in suckler cow and ewe numbers respectively here in Northern Ireland.
“ANC land is very efficient in delivering environmental outcomes, sequestering carbon and maintaining biodiversity while producing food and keeping livestock on the hills also helps reduce fire load and supports biodiversity,” continued the deputy president, outlining the advantages of farming these areas.
Mr Cuddy outlined that many farmers are unable to avail of schemes such as the Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme, Suckler Cow Scheme or Protein Scheme. This has left some farmers facing a 17% reduction in their Farm Sustainability Payment with no realistic opportunity to recover that loss.
“We are disheartened by the DAERA Minister’s continued inaction on reinstating the ANC payment. It should be reestablished and it must stand clearly and separately from the Farm Sustainability Payment,” added Mr Cuddy.
“We urge political parties across Northern Ireland to support this bill to help ensure these farm businesses remain viable for the next generation, protect the knowledge and expertise of ANC farmers, prevent land abandonment and keep rural communities and economies alive.”
