Debate contribution: Farmers' Basic Payment Scheme

Debate contribution by Ms Diana Armstrong on 7 October 2024.

MLA: Ms Diana Armstrong
Party at the time: Ulster Unionist Party
Date: 7 October 2024
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Private Members' Business
Heading: Farmers' Basic Payment Scheme
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 4579752

Text

Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I am pleased that speaking on this motion affords me the opportunity to deliver my maiden speech. It is with immense pride and a deep sense of responsibility that I rise as the Ulster Unionist MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, a place that I have always called "home" and where I raised my family. It is a truly humbling moment. I am deeply honoured to have been entrusted with the opportunity to serve the people of my constituency, a region that is steeped in history, resilience and community spirit. I pay tribute to my predecessor, Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard. His service to Fermanagh and South Tyrone has been marked by dedication, dignity and an unwavering commitment to his constituents. His work on behalf of our community will not be forgotten. I intend to build on the strong foundations that he laid. Lord Elliott's leadership and integrity set a high standard, and his presence at Stormont will be missed by many. He will, however, continue to make a valuable contribution to Northern Ireland and unionism through his work in the House of Lords, and I wish him well in that role. Representing Fermanagh and South Tyrone is not just a political role for me; it is a deeply personal one. As I drove up to Parliament Buildings on my first day as an MLA, I felt a great sense of pride in my family. I was following in the footsteps of my late father, Harry West, a former MP, Agriculture Minister, leader of unionism and representative of the people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone. My father tirelessly advocated for rural communities and farmers, whose livelihoods form the backbone of our economy. Standing in the Chamber today, I am motivated by the values that he held dear and am determined to continue his legacy of service to those people. My politics have been shaped by the people in the community in which I work. I believe that politics is a tool for delivering positive outcomes and that the well-being, aspirations and voices of the community should be at the centre of every decision we make. Throughout my career, whether in the European Commission, in advertising and merchandising or as an elected representative, I have consistently demonstrated a commitment to prioritising the needs of the people whom I serve. My message to Fermanagh and South Tyrone is simple: I want to be a voice for all, and it is my pledge to represent every one of you, regardless of where you stand on the political spectrum. We may not always agree, but I believe that, through dialogue, respect and understanding, we can deliver and build a better future for everyone in our community. Naturally, coming from a farming family, my heart is in the countryside. I value very much the land beneath my feet. It is rich and productive, and, in Fermanagh and South Tyrone, there are many successful agri-food businesses and companies that supply national and international markets. Many of those enterprises have grown from the micro scale to command superiority in the marketplace. I want to see those success stories continue with added support such as is in the motion that we are debating this afternoon. I will move to the motion at hand. I thank Members for tabling the motion and the amendments. Following the contributions we have heard from other Members, I too acknowledge the vital role that the single farm payment scheme and its successor, the basic payment scheme, have played in supporting agriculture in Northern Ireland. Those schemes have been essential in sustaining farm incomes and ensuring the viability of the industry. Agriculture is a significant factor in the local economy and plays a key role in the social fabric of society. Farming is Northern Ireland's largest sector, employing around 51,000 people and utilising 75% of our land, and ring-fenced and future-proofed funding is critical to its survival. Farm incomes have already dropped by as much as 44% in 2023, creating serious challenges for producers. Local farmers whom I have spoken to are concerned about the uncertainty surrounding what will follow the basic payment scheme, particularly with rising costs and interest rates threatening the viability of their businesses. The lack of a funding road map for the long term is leading farmers to question the viability of continuing in the profession. That uncertainty is taking its toll on farmers' mental health and well-being. Many farmers were encouraged to develop their businesses and have invested heavily in expansion. Now they face repayments with high interest rates, soaring input costs and uncertainty about the future funding that would make farming a viable profession, as well as the ongoing regulatory restrictions of the Windsor framework. Farmers are resilient, but their ability to plan and grow is being tested by external pressures such as fluctuating markets and global instability.
Thank you.

817 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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