Debate contribution: Farmers' Basic Payment Scheme

Debate contribution by Ms Claire Sugden on 7 October 2024.

MLA

Ms Claire Sugden

Party at the time

Independent

Date

7 October 2024

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Private Members' Business

Heading

Farmers' Basic Payment Scheme

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 4579771

Read the official Assembly record

Text

As a representative of East Londonderry, a rural constituency where farming is the heart of our community, I welcome the debate to address such a critical issue: the imminent end of the basic payment scheme, or single farm payment. That scheme has provided essential support to farmers across Northern Ireland for years, and its removal, without a realistic replacement, threatens the very livelihoods of those who rely on it. The scheme has allowed farms, particularly small family-run farms, to maintain stability in a volatile and unpredictable sector. For many, it has been a lifeline that has kept them afloat amid rising costs and fluctuating markets. Without that financial support, many farmers are now faced with a future of uncertainty, with no clear path or viability for moving forward. Farm incomes have already fallen drastically, and that is a reality for countless families in my constituency and across Northern Ireland. Those farmers work tirelessly with slim margins and rely on the single farm payment to bridge the widening gap. The loss of the scheme will leave many unable to continue their work, which will have severe consequences for them, as well as for rural communities. The issue goes far beyond individual farmers. If we lose those farms — that is the risk — we will undermine our food security. Northern Ireland farmers produce much of the fresh local produce that we depend on every day, from dairy to beef and fruit and vegetables. If farms can no longer operate, we will become increasingly reliant on imports, which are not good for the environment and are subject to price fluctuations and global market disruptions. Brexit and conflicts have shown us how fragile the global food supply chains can be, and with that fragility come rising food prices, which are an immediate concern for families across Northern Ireland, not just those in rural communities. Families who are already struggling with the cost of living will face even greater challenges in putting food on their table. As others said, our farmers are not only vital to our economy and food security but play a crucial role in managing our environment. During the climate change debate, how often did we hear how farmers are modernising through environmentally sustainable practices, protecting biodiversity, improving soil health and reducing carbon emissions? If the support is removed, farmers will be limited in what they can do, and that is now a statutory obligation. We must also acknowledge the other challenges that farmers are facing. The rising cost of fuels, fertilisers and feed is squeezing their margins more tightly than ever. The price of fertilisers alone has skyrocketed, and it is putting enormous strain on farmers' ability to maintain productivity. Many are being forced to make difficult decisions, and that includes closing their farms. Many farming renewable heat incentive (RHI) claimants applied in good faith to a scheme that was intended to support them, but they now find themselves under a financial burden because of the outcome of that scheme. Labour shortages are another issue. Post Brexit, it has become difficult for farmers to access seasonal workers, particularly for tasks such as harvesting and looking after livestock. Many farmers in Northern Ireland are struggling, as are other industries, to find the help that they need to keep their businesses going. It is not just a problem for large farms; it is hitting small family-run farms just as hard, as well as business across Northern Ireland. The farm sustainability payment is not enough, and it will not come soon enough for farmers who are struggling. Its eligibility criteria could exclude very small farms that are most in need of help. Farmers in my constituency and across Northern Ireland cannot wait two years for support; they need solutions now. The Minister and the Executive must work with the British Government to ensure an immediate replacement for the basic payment scheme, and that replacement must recognise the specific needs of Northern Ireland's farmers and provide them with the financial support that they need to manage costs, access labour and invest in sustainable farming practices — again, that is a statutory requirement. We need to do more with our local food markets. We need to strengthen our local food supply chains and promote local produce in order to ensure that farmers receive fair prices while enhancing our food security and reducing our reliance on imported food. As many others said, we must address the mental health challenges that farmers face. Farming is a tough job at the best of times, but the increasing and extra pressures that farmers face, including financial stress, labour shortages and the impacts of climate change, which many did not expect when they entered the role, take a significant toll on their mental health. The Assembly must do more to support them, because it is not just farmers who will come under pressure; Northern Ireland, as an agricultural region of the UK, will come under pressure too.

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

Assessment

Not flagged

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Assessed 21 October 2026 at 11:23 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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