The Labour government at Westminster has failed to recognise the impact of its new tax measures on production agriculture, particularly in regions such as Northern Ireland.
This is according to the chair of Stormont’s agriculture committee and Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Robbie Butler.
“I have had many farm families contact me regarding the impact of the new inheritance tax measures on farm land and farm assets.”
“They fully recognise the impact these new measures will have on the sustainability of their businesses, now and into the future.
“These measures will also have a very detrimental impact on food security levels into the future,” he said.
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) representative also believes that Northern Ireland can become the bread basket of the UK.
And, in practical terms, this means maintaining – and even increasing – food production levels here.
“This was one of the key issues I brought up with the Secretary of State, Hillary Benn, at our first meeting,” Butler said.
Labour government
Butler believes that the Labour government at Westminster has failed to recognise the impact its new tax measures will have on production agriculture, particularly in regions such as Northern Ireland.
He added: “The potential to produce high quality food here is immense. And it’s important that all of these opportunities are fully realised.”
“These measures will also have a very detrimental impact on food security levels into the future,” he said.
TB
Significantly, the Ulster Unionist MLA believes that Northern Ireland’s agriculture minister, Andrew Muir, has failed to instill great levels of confidence at a grassroots’ level within the farming sector.
He said: “The challenge posed by bovine tuberculosis (TB) is a case in point.
“Farmers want to see real action taking place, designed to tackle the problem head on. But all they have seen from the Minister is his call for a further review, the latest of many that have taken place over recent years.”
“Meanwhile, those increasing numbers of farmers having to cope with the challenge of a tuberculosis outbreak are fire-fighting in all directions.
“Losing their animals is a big enough issue to deal with. But, in addition, they are having to cope with the associated financial and stress-related issues that are directly impacting on their state of mental health.”
Climate change
The Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) committee chair is also conscious that farming will be at the centre of Northern Ireland’s response to climate change.
“And here again farmers need certainty, with regard to what will be expected from them into the future,” he said.
Commenting on the new Sustainable Agricultural Programme (SAP) and its impact on farming, Butler indicated that the direction of travel seemed to be positive, at least in the short-term.
“Where livestock production is concerned, we seem to be moving away farm a scenario within which animal numbers are reduced.
“The new focus is on driving efficiency within the sector. An example of this is the recognition that replacement suckler heifers should be calved down at an earlier age,” he said.
However he also believes that SAP is still a work in progress and its future development will be closely monitored and assessed by AERA committee members.
“Above all else, DAERA must bring farmers with them as the new support measures are further developed and rolled out” said the Ulster Unionist MLA has just completed his first six months as chairperson of the AERA Committee.
“I have enjoyed every minute of it,” he added.
