UFU calls for government framework to enable farming families to evolve

A framework needs to be in place to allow farming families to grow and evolve and play their part in feeding the nation.

This was the message from the UFU president William Irvine at the association’s annual dinner.

Attended by officials including fellow Union colleagues from around the UK, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir, IFA President Francie Gorman and representatives from the wider agriculture industry, the event was held in the Canal Court Hotel in Newry.

Offering a toast to agriculture, UFU president William Irvine said he has heard the same message from farmers around the UK, that they need the government to listen.

“They need to put the framework in that allows our farm families to grow and evolve and play their full part in feeding the nation.

“This debate is not about environment versus food. It’s about growing food in an environmentally sustainable way and improving the food security position in the UK,” said William Irvine.

“We are facing and will continue to face many challenges, but I see no reduction in the passion and ambition of our farmers to continue to farm. After all, locally produced food is not only the highest quality, but also the most environmentally friendly.”

Additionally, office bearers from the UK’s four farming unions met in Newry to urgently discuss the growing impact of global instability on farm businesses across the UK.

In a joint statement, the four unions, Ulster Farmers’ Union, National Farmers’ Union, NFU Scotland and NFU Cymru, highlighted the significant uncertainty facing farmers as volatility in global energy markets, linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, continues to drive fluctuations in the cost and availability of key inputs such as red diesel and fertiliser.

“Farm businesses across the UK are facing increasing pressure as a result of global events beyond their control,” they said.

“Volatility in fuel and fertiliser markets is creating real uncertainty at farm level, with implications for food production, supply chains and ultimately consumers. Of particular concern is the lack of transparency in how prices for key agricultural inputs are set.

“Many farmers are being asked to commit to purchases without clear or timely information, making it extremely difficult to plan and manage already tight margins. We welcome moves by regulators to increase monitoring of fuel and fertiliser markets, but more must be done to ensure fairness, transparency and accountability across the supply chain.”

The unions are calling on governments across the UK to take coordinated action, including:

• Improving transparency in the pricing of red diesel and fertiliser, including more frequent and accessible market data.
• Ensuring fair market practices, with close monitoring of supply chains to ensure resilience
• Strengthening resilience within the agricultural sector, recognising the essential role of domestic food production in times of global instability.
• Providing clarity on future policy measures, including the development and implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and its potential impact on agricultural inputs such as fertiliser.

  

Following addresses at the annual dinner from NFU Scotland President, Andrew Connon and DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, the prestigious BT Cup for outstanding agricultural achievement was awarded to Robin Irvine. The award recognises service, leadership and lasting impact within the agri-food industry.

UFU Chief Executive Conall Donnelly said he was delighted to award Robin with the cup in recognition of his exceptional and sustained contribution to the agri-food sector over more than four decades.

“Robin also built a distinguished career in the feed industry with John Thompson & Son and later leading Fane Valley Feeds as Managing Director, serving two terms as President of the Northern Ireland Grain Trade Association, and driving safety, sustainability and innovation across the sector,” he said.