Debate contribution: Apple-growing Industry in Newry and Armagh

Debate contribution by Mr Jonathan Buckley on 7 October 2025.

MLA

Mr Jonathan Buckley

Party at the time

Democratic Unionist Party

Date

7 October 2025

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Adjournment

Heading

Apple-growing Industry in Newry and Armagh

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 5165284

Read the official Assembly record

Text

I had not planned to speak, but, as a proud son of the "Orchard County", it would have been remiss of me had I not added something to the debate. I thank the Member for Newry and Armagh for bringing the debate. Like me, he probably has many fond memories of growing up in the "Orchard County" and knows how important the apple has been to our county for generations and how symbolic it is of our county. Mr Irwin alluded to the fact that about 90% of apple growing now takes place in my constituency of Upper Bann. I have effectively lived among the orchards all my life, and they are a cause for immense pride locally. North Armagh has certainly demonstrated its worth in its growing potential, and its fertile ground has sustained many generations. I have picked apples, and my father and grandfather picked apples. It was an infamous task among local families at this time of year. I think of the many farmers who are performing such a task even as we speak. Apple growers face significant issues. The big one, which we in the Chamber cannot solve, is weather conditions. The industry suffers from weather volatility, which can affect crops and prices year-on-year. It is hard for apple growers to have a steady and sustainable income when there is such volatility. We have price volatility based on demands elsewhere. It was alluded to that, whilst we produce a large tonnage of apples locally, we are largely susceptible to global forces when it comes to the import of apples. The age of orchards is also an issue. When I was growing up, there were orchards everywhere in and around my home area. Some of them were old by the time that I grew up and have, therefore, been replaced. The problem is that many in the industry took the decision not to replace old orchards with new orchards, and farm diversification has led many away from the sector. However, many proud families are still determined to ensure that the industry survives. Much good work has been done locally to enhance the tourism opportunities related to the apple, particularly the Bramley, including the Apple Blossom Sundays and accompanying tours. My wife is from Lisburn. She had never seen an orchard until we started to court and she came down to County Armagh. I thought to myself, "That's very strange", because I could not have imagined life without them, given my locality. In recent times, the attraction for people across Northern Ireland of coming to orchards to view what produce they have to offer and the spin-offs such as cider production has been a source of real encouragement. Wildlife has prospered in many areas due to the significant presence of orchards. Before the debate, I spoke to apple growers and asked them, "If one thing could be done to help you, what would it be?". My colleague alluded to the variety of support schemes that are in place or could be in place and the need to integrate something related to the planting of orchards into the single farm payment. We know that planting trees has a significant positive spin-off for wildlife and the environment. There is a significant case to be made that such an intervention should be targeted at those who replant orchards for the benefit of the apple industry. There is also a great need to get that small number of producers together in a room — I know that that has happened previously — to try to ensure that the processors do not have the whip hand when it comes to setting a price for their product. That is important and is certainly something that government can do to help. I look forward to what the Minister has to say. I again thank the Member for securing the debate. If we are to ensure that the industry not only survives but thrives, there must be tangible support packages in place to benefit the growers who will stick with the industry.

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

Assessment

Not flagged

Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 13:23 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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