Debate contribution: Upland Sheep Farmers: Support

Debate contribution by Mr Robbie Butler on 25 November 2024.

MLA

Mr Robbie Butler

Party at the time

Ulster Unionist Party

Date

25 November 2024

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Private Members' Business

Heading

Upland Sheep Farmers: Support

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 4674683

Read the official Assembly record

Text

It is good to respond to the motion and the amendment, both of which are worthy of support, stimulate the conversation and exclude nobody. It is important that we highlight the critical role of the sheep sector in Northern Ireland's agri-food industry. As many of you will know from meeting those farmers, it is not just a livelihood for them; the sector is part of the very fabric and a cornerstone of our rural communities . It helps to knit together the economy, our environment and our heritage, particularly in less-favoured areas, where it is often the primary farm enterprise. Sheep farming in upland areas not only supports local economies but provides environmental benefits, some of which have been spoken about. Studies from the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute reveal that the carbon footprint of ewes in upland areas is 8% lower than that of ewes on lowland farms. The amendment allows us to say that, regardless of that, we should not exclude any sheep farmers, but the facts speak for themselves. It demonstrates the sector's potential to contribute to sustainable agricultural practices while maintaining the viability of less-favoured areas. Despite sheep farming's significance, it faces considerable challenges under the future agricultural policy. Many sheep farmers are grappling with the imminent 17% reduction in their basic farm payment scheme, which has been a lifeline to many who struggled to maintain their livelihood. Financial pressures threaten the future viability of sheep farming and, consequently, the vital contribution that it makes to the agri-food sector and the environment. Miss McIlveen put on record very well the additional burden that all our farmers, particularly sheep farmers, face with the potential 17% reduction and the draconian Budget that the Labour Government have foisted upon farming, business and industry. I echo the calls in the motion and the amendment for the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline a robust plan to support and safeguard the sector. We all must ensure that sheep farming not only survives but thrives. The 2023 report of the Northern Ireland sheep industry task force was in our Members' packs. It is a vision for the development of the sheep industry, and it clearly outlines a path forward. The vision emphasises the need:

"to secure the long-term capability of the natural capital used in sheep farming and enhance the delivery of public goods. This includes carbon capture",

improved soil quality and better water management, all while:

"reducing greenhouse gas emissions from sheep production over the next decade",

and we know the benefits of sheep farming over other types of farming. To achieve that, individual farm businesses must be resilient. Economic viability is key to enabling investments and productivity gains through genetic improvements, better animal health and welfare and advancements in soil and grassland management. Those are not just aspirations but necessities, if the sheep sector is to continue delivering for our economy and our environment. The challenges posed by diseases such as maedi-visna (MV) and bluetongue cannot be ignored. We must remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding animal health, ensuring that our farmers are equipped with the resources and support needed to combat those threats. A lot of that will come down to their financial viability. At the same time, we must recognise the untapped potential for greater export opportunities. As a former butcher who tried to sell Irish lamb against New Zealand lamb, I know that there is no question about the quality of our product. Northern Ireland is renowned for high-quality sheep meat and wool. By investing in market access and branding, we can expand our reach to international markets and secure better returns for our farmers whilst showcasing the best of Northern Ireland on the global stage. The environmental benefits of sheep farming are undeniable. Properly managed grazing supports biodiversity, enhances soil health and contributes to carbon sequestration. Those practices are not just beneficial but essential to our collective effort to address the climate crisis, as John Blair mentioned. It is heartening to see organisations such as the Ulster Farmers' Union and the National Sheep Association powerfully advocating for their members in the sector. We must act decisively and collaboratively. I call on the Minister to engage with farmers, the industry and stakeholders and environmental experts to craft policies that provide tangible support so that the finances are not stripped out of our sheep industry. That will include financial assistance, investment in research and innovation and measures to improve market access and resilience for our sheep farmers.

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

Assessment

Not flagged

Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 11:38 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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