The Fermanagh County Committee of the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) held their annual dinner last Friday evening, November 8, in the Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen.

Guests included the President of the UFU, William Irvine, and his wife, Ruth.

Speaking to members and friends following the carvery dinner, Mr. Irvine described the recent Budget news about the changes in Agricultural Property Relief and Inheritance Tax as a “devastating blow” to the farming industry.

He said farms have been handed down for generations and many farmers are working not only for themselves but for those coming behind them.

He said the four home unions were united in the call for the reinstatement of full Agricultural Property Relief.

He then appealed to farmers and their families to attend the rally on Monday, November 18 in the Eikon Centre, Balmoral Park, to give the union a strong mandate to go to London the next day.

On November 19, the UFU will hand over a petition and concerns of farming families in Northern Ireland to the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn.

“The objective is to send a strong message to the government,” he said.

Mr. Irvine also spoke of the concerns that the farm subsidies money had now been moved into the Northern Ireland pot rather than being ringfenced as before. He said they need to see this reinstated.

While the overall sum of £320million allocated in 2016 had not been increased with inflation, the Union estimates they need a further £50million to keep pace with inflation over the years.

Cecil Morton, proposing a vote of thanks, said the chosen charity for the proceeds from the raffle and auction this year would be for Rural Support.

Members were told that Fermanagh County Committee would be organising a bus or buses if required for the Eikon Centre rally on November 18, leaving the Ulster Farmers’ Mart at 6pm.