Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) president, William Irvine, has confirmed agriculture’s role at the heart of the sustainability agenda.
Courtesy of his speech to the organisation’s 2025 annual dinner, he added that agriculture is not part of the problem, where matters relating to environmental protection and climate change are concerned.
The UFU president said: “In fact, agriculture is very much part of the solution, where these challenges are concerned.
“New science is driving a faster rate of change within the farming sectors. This is a good news story and farmers should be very proud of what they have achieved over recent years.”
According to William Irvine, Northern Ireland’s new farm support measures have been specifically designed to improve efficiency, while at the same time, lowering carbon emission levels.
He further explained: “We will soon be launching carbon surveys across every farm in Northern Ireland.
“In addition, farmers are already seeing the benefits of a world class soil testing scheme.
“But there is still work to do. We need a fit-for-purpose environmental scheme, one that will encompass new schemes while also recognising the significant work that has already been carried out farms across Northern Ireland.
“When we combine the progress already made with Northern Ireland’s natural strengths – our temperate climate, our ability to grow quality grass and crops in tandem with the sheer dedication of our farmers – it is clear farming is not the problem.”
The UFU president went on to point out that farming must be allowed to maintain its current commitment to the production of high quality food.
“Otherwise, imports with high carbon footprints and much lower associated environmental standards will be allowed to fill the food production gap,” he continued.
“”This is why I believe now, more than ever, that society needs farmers and the food we produce.”
The union president referred to recent international events, emphasising the importance of food security.
“With increasingly unpredictable geopolitical events and weather, government must wake up to the reality that food production is not just another industry, it is a national priority.
“Here in the UK the disconnect between government and the farming sectors has plummeted to new depths with the decision to scrap agricultural property relief and business property relief at the beginning of April 2026 now an issue of absolute concerns for all family farms.
“Here in Northern Ireland the chancellor’s decision represents an existential threat to the farming sector, given the predominance of family farms and inherently higher land values.”
