Debate contribution: Farmers' Basic Payment Scheme

Debate contribution by Mr William Irwin on 7 October 2024.

MLA: Mr William Irwin
Party at the time: Democratic Unionist Party
Date: 7 October 2024
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Private Members' Business
Heading: Farmers' Basic Payment Scheme
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 4579767

Text

I declare an interest as a partner in a farm business that is in receipt of the basic farm payment. There is no question that the basic farm payment scheme has played a pivotal part in farming in Northern Ireland. Our industry could not have done without it over the years. A continual theme in our agri-food industry is that the farmer is at the bottom of our supply chain. As an individual, that farmer has to absorb disruption associated with the global marketplace and still be able to function as a business. That is not easy, and we can think immediately of the crises over the years that have beset the industry, including, to name but a few, BSE, foot-and-mouth disease and COVID. At the moment, there is a serious issue with bovine TB. Yet, through those challenging times, our farmers had to somehow function and find a path through in order to maintain a high-quality supply of food to our nation. Profitability is certainly not guaranteed for any farmer. It continues to be a challenge, and there is a squeeze on the industry by processors and retailers that continually tighten the screw on our farming community. Input costs of feed, fuel and energy fluctuate massively, as do the prices of fertilisers, seeds and machinery and general upkeep costs. Indeed, many of those costs have doubled since 2020. That is why the payment support system has been a vital part of farming; it must continue. Farm incomes fell by 46% in 2023-24. The DUP lobbied and leant heavily on the previous Government to ensure that payments remained at pre-2020 levels for the duration of their tenure. That was important in order to provide security and confidence for producers. Extremely challenging targets are coming down the tracks. I am on record as saying that the changes to address climate change are much too large a challenge and will be much too costly, yet they are the law. Those requirements will, of course, apply to all aspects of industry in Northern Ireland, including the agriculture industry. However, agriculture is unlike any other industry. The costs that farmers are struggling to pay cannot be passed on at the stroke of a pen. They sadly do not have that power at their disposal. As I said, processors and retailers have significant authority in regard to farming. There must be urgent action on the issue of farm support payments. Our party's amendment rightly calls for:
"an increased, ring-fenced, inflation-proof and multi-annual farm support and development budget to support our farmers and the wider agricultural sector."
With 25,900 active farm businesses in Northern Ireland employing roughly 51,000 people, it is important that the magnitude and seriousness of the issue be fully understood. Let the focus be on dealing with this issue in a manner that sees support delivered to assist our industry with the considerable pressures that are coming down the line. I support amendment No 2.

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

Assessment

Awaiting analysis

This record has not been analysed yet. It is not counted in any total until it has been assessed.

Disagree with this assessment?

Classifications can be challenged. A person reviews every challenge, and any change is recorded publicly above with its reason.

Challenge this classification