Mid Ulster SDLP MLA calls for support package to help NI farmers in prolonged wet periods

Patsy McGlone said he had asked the DAERA Minister Andrew Muir to outline any support available.

In a written reponse, Mr Muir confirmed he was not planning a support package, instead pointing to the Sustainable Agriculture Programme (SAP).

“Since the turn of the year we have seen unprecedented levels of wet weather that have caused real logistical problems for farms across the North. With conditions like this it can become difficult for farmers to carry out even the most routine of their daily tasks and this has significant consequences of their operations and income,” continued Mr McGlone.

“In light of this I asked the Minister to outline if he was intending to bring forward a support package for the farming community. While he did not rule it out completely, it is clear that no support package is planned and this will come as a bitter blow to many of our small and medium-sized farms who were looking to the Minister and his department for help.

“I accept that there are other programmes in place and that the department is working on a crisis framework for the SAP, but exceptional circumstances like this demand a response. I hope we will soon see an upturn in the weather to alleviate these pressures from our farming community, but if these conditions continue I would urge the Minister to revisit this matter and provide much needed support.”