By James McCluggage, UFU policy, technical and communications manager

Northern Ireland’s farmers take immense pride in producing some of the world’s best food, and there is potential to achieve even more with the right policy framework. 

By driving the rural economy, enhancing the natural environment, and contributing to national environmental targets, farmers can ensure a sustainable future for agriculture and produce more local food for consumers.

With increased support, the agricultural sector can play a crucial role in protecting the countryside and boosting Northern Ireland's economy.

With that said, Northern Ireland's agricultural sector is facing a series of significant challenges.

From rising production costs to post-Brexit trade uncertainties and the impacts of climate change, farmers are under mounting pressure.

William Irvine, President of the Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU), stresses that farmers need immediate support from the United Kingdom UK Treasury to remain competitive, sustainable, and so that they can meet growing demands. 

Increased financial assistance is critical to ensuring that farmers can continue producing high-quality, sustainable food while reducing the United kingdom's reliance on imports.

The ripple effects of farming support would extend far beyond the farming industry.

With 670,000 people living in rural Northern Ireland, the agri-food sector forms the backbone of the local economy.

Increased funding would secure jobs for farmers and provide stability across the wider agricultural supply chain, benefitting local businesses and communities that rely heavily on agriculture.

The Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) plays an essential role in keeping the sector viable.

In 2023, BPS comprised £298million of the total £341million farm income in Northern Ireland - a stark reminder of how vital these payments are.

This figure also represents one of the lowest income figures in recent years, highlighting the urgent need for a resilience payment to support local farm families. 

The UFU lobbies to highlight that it would be detrimental to redirect all funding toward environmental initiatives while farmers struggle to keep their businesses afloat.

They need adequate financial backing to manage financial challenges, sustain their operations, and continue to produce the high-quality food consumers expect, all while caring for the environment.

One of the most critical threats to Northern Ireland's farming industry is bovine Tuberculosis (BtB).

The disease has ravaged herds across the region, causing devastation for many farming families.

The UFU has seen the financial and mental stress caused by bTB firsthand, too many times. 

Combating bTB is one of the UFU’s top priorities, and the union will continue to press the Government to fully implement a science-based bTB strategy.

This  is not about demonising wildlife, but about creating a healthy environment for all animals to thrive side by side.

In the face of these challenges, Northern Ireland's farming community remains resilient. 

From hill farmers to vegetable growers, the sector is united in its pursuit of the common good.

Despite the economic pressures, farmers’ ability to work together remains the greatest strength of the UFU and our agri-food industry.

As the backbone of Northern Ireland's economy, farming will continue to play an essential role, and producing high-quality food will never go out of fashion.