Debate contribution: Upland Sheep Farmers: Support

Debate contribution by Mr William Irwin on 25 November 2024.

MLA: Mr William Irwin
Party at the time: Democratic Unionist Party
Date: 25 November 2024
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Private Members' Business
Heading: Upland Sheep Farmers: Support
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 4675123

Text

I welcome the opportunity to speak in support of sheep farmers wherever they farm in Northern Ireland, be that in upland or lowland areas. As our amendment highlights, we want to ensure that efforts to improve the outlook for sheep farming assist all sheep farmers, regardless of their location. Sheep farming is a vital sector in Northern Ireland's wider agri-food economy and deserves to be focused on and assisted with the same interest, intent and effort as other sectors. Our amendment refers to the report of the Northern Ireland sheep industry task force. That is a useful document that accurately refers to and reflects the issues faced by sheep farming in Northern Ireland, as, like all sectors, it strives for profitability while battling issues such as pricing, disease, weather and the new threat posed by the Labour Government's changes to inheritance tax law. There are certainly challenges ahead for sheep farming and, indeed, all sectors, given what the inheritance tax changes will mean for farming. I use this platform to urge again a reversal of the rule change. Efforts by all parties to reverse that scandalous policy must continue at pace. The challenges that come with sheep farming, coupled with an ageing workforce, mean that succession is extremely important. That is why it is all the more vital that new entrants are not deterred from carrying on the family business. Inheritance tax changes are a worrying factor in these circumstances. It is important that there is recognition in the future agricultural policy of the value of the sheep industry in Northern Ireland not only in monetary terms but in environmental terms, given the fact that sheep grazing in upland areas provides a vital service in maintaining landscapes. With a 17% reduction in basic payments forecast, it is easy to understand why the sector has real concerns about its future viability. With the value of the industry rated at £103 million last year, it is an important cog in the wheel of Northern Ireland agriculture.
Sheep farming is challenging, and, as I have stated, farmers seek profitability while responding to a whole host of variables. It is not an easy industry in which to work, and I salute sheep farmers, given the real and varying challenges that they face. The task force report clearly took some time and effort to produce, and its authors have taken on board a lot of feedback and research from key participants in the sector. It is therefore all the more important that the Minister take forward and focus on the report's recommendations, such as those on improving sheep genetics to, in turn, improve quality. I understand that the Minister has met the task force to discuss the report. I encourage him to treat the issue with urgency and determination so that sheep farming is not only sustained but improved through the various measures ably illustrated in the report.

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

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