Farmers being 'fobbed off'

FARMERS who lost entire crops during the big freeze at the start of the year are being fobbed off with red tape and paperwork according to Councillor David Herron.

The DUP man, himself a farmer, said the Department of Agriculture’s efforts so far had lacked any real sense that farmers would be adequately compensated for their losses.

Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew wrote to Banbridge District Council last month to say she had raised farmers’ concerns with the Executive at Stormont.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In her letter, she said, “I have asked DARD officials to assess the crop damage caused by the severe damage caused by the severe frost in January 2010.

“This damage assessment exercise will inform any future financial support consideration, subject to funding and the need to comply with EU State Aid rules.” But Councillor Herron said the forms farmers were being asked to fill in were making the whole process too time-consuming and complicated.

He said, “It is like they are trying to do the people out of the money. There is too much red tape and paperwork.”

Council Chairman Liz Ingram agreed with Councillor Herron, saying many farmers may be put off and feel the paperwork is not worth the hassle.