MP Carla Lockhart has repeated her calls for Westminster to recognise the value of Northern Ireland’s agriculture by providing a ring-fenced financial support package for farmers which extends beyond short-term budget cycles.
Speaking at a Food Security debate in the House of Commons earlier this week, the MP voiced her support for the 27,000 strong farming families and 100,000 people employed directly and indirectly in the agri-sector in NI, “who, day in and day out, work tirelessly to help feed our nation”.
She detailed the DUP’s pride for the high standards set by farmers in Northern Ireland for food quality, animal welfare and the environment, as well as their commitment to sustainable farming practices which ensures food is produced responsibly.
“Despite the efforts of those who unfairly criticise our farming community and treat them as scapegoats for climate change, our farmers should be seen as partners, not problems.
“They are already working with some of the most rigorous environmental regulations, and should be recognised for their role in meeting climate targets across the UK,” MP Lockhart said.
In the same speech, the MP slammed the government’s last minute reversal to the UK-wide ‘not for EU’ labelling policy, which she sees as indicative of Westminster’s “complete disregard for Northern Ireland”.
“This clearly demonstrates no sign of a willingness to mitigate the Irish sea border — an outrageous move on the part of the government, but not surprising, given its continued bending to the EU and big business,” she added.
The DUP’s spokesperson for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs expressed her frustrations at the Protocol’s ongoing impacts and the Windsor Framework deal, which she perceives as flawed.
She believes that trade between NI and Great Britain has been hindered as a result of “unnecessary trade barriers” and supply chain issues. Lockhart also cited the “120 EU laws” which bind agri-industry as compromising to NI’s sovereignty.
Lockhart also raised concern over the availability of veterinary medicines in the region, predicting potentially grave consequences on animal welfare and the agri-food sector as a result of such a supply shortage.
“If a permanent solution is not reached now, NI risks losing access to more than 1,700 vital veterinary products, which according to the British Veterinary Association (BVA), is 51% of its current medicine portfolio.
“That will have devastating consequences, not only for farmers, but for consumers and companion animals such as cats, dogs and horses.
“Without these essential vaccines and medicines, animal health and disease control will be severely compromised, leaving our agricultural sector exposed to significant risks. This is a 2024 problem, not a 2025 problem, and it needs fixed,” Lockhart added.
In her speech, her also outlined problems relating to the trade of plants and potatoes from Scotland, and the transportation of second-hand machinery from Britain to NI, which now requires a phytonsanitary certificate “because there might be soil on the wheels”.
Lockhart stressed that the farming community is dealing with the rising cost of living, increasing energy prices and volatile farmgate prices.
“I call on the government to ensure that funding for agriculture in Northern Ireland is adjusted in line with inflation, at around £389 million. Our farmers need certainty. The message is very clear – No Farmers, No Food! They need our support.
“Farmers are and always have been the best custodians of our land. They must be enshrined in UK policy, given a seat at the table in key discussions and supported financially, so that they can continue their vital work,” she added.
