Fermanagh's new MLA has praised Fermanagh's rural communities for their resilience and contributions to the economy.

Diana Armstrong of the Ulster Unionist Party addressed delegates at the Ulster Unionist conference on Saturday.

She highlighted the significance of the farming industry, which utilises 75 per cent of Northern Ireland's land and feeds 10 million people in the UK.

She said: ''That is something phenomenal and should be celebrated.''

Ms Armstrong reminisced about the region's history of agricultural innovation, referencing Harry Ferguson's development of the three-point linkage system for tractors, which revolutionised agriculture worldwide.

She also hailed the transformation of Dennison Logistics from a farm enterprise into a major logistical transport company, and the global success of Powerscreen and Terex in the quarrying industry.

She recounted the success story of Severfield Engineering, which began as a blacksmith's workshop in Ballinamallard and grew into a major player in the steel fabrication industry, providing well-paid jobs to a local workforce.

Ms Armstrong underscored the significant contribution farmers make to the agri-food sector, which supports over 48,000 jobs and generates £5.4 billion for the economy.

She acknowledged the challenges faced by the sector, with farm incomes reportedly decreasing by 44 per cent in 2023.

However, she assured delegates that the Ulster Unionist Party would continue to lobby for the replacement of the EU single farm payment scheme.

She also spoke about the importance of the rural economy beyond farming, highlighting the role of rural businesses in providing employment and revenue.

She advocated for better roads, broadband, and mobile infrastructure for rural dwellers.

She also highlighted the success of a Fermanagh-based egg producer, which is now Ireland’s largest egg packing centre, supplying over seven million eggs per week.

The UUP MLA also praised Moy Park, which started as a family-run farm in 1943 and has now become one of the UK's top 15 food companies, with a turnover of £1.88 billion.

She said: ''Moy Park is the largest employer in Northern Ireland, with 6,300 employees, 5,400 in Great Britain, 800 in France, 100 in the Netherlands and around 50 in the Republic of Ireland.''

Ms Armstrong also highlighted the importance of the EU-approved NI Rural Development Programme (2014-22), which supported farm diversification and businesses in rural areas, with funding of around £80 million over its lifetime.

She said: ''This funding was attributed to non-agricultural activities supporting wider rural development.'

''Many of the successful projects which were funded have exceeded targets and ensured that sustainable businesses remain in rural communities, providing employment and revenue in the local economy.''

She underscored the significance of rural areas to the Northern Ireland population, stating that around 670,000 people, or 36 per cent, live in these areas.

Ms Armstrong concluded her speech by welcoming the publication of The Rural Policy Framework for Northern Ireland.

She said: ''It seeks to support a fair and inclusive rural society where rural dwellers enjoy the same quality of life and opportunities as everyone else in Northern Ireland, with the ambition to create a rural community where people want to live, work and be active in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way.''