Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) president William Irvine has said that the union will continue to be “relentless” in lobbying government during 2025 to support farm families and focus on “what matters most”.
The UFU has said that it will not accept policies that will “hinder” succession planning or “drive a wedge between generations of farmers”.
“Our focus will be on protecting what matters most to you – your livelihoods, your families, and your future. Farming is more than a business; it’s a way of life,” Irvine said.
As the year comes to a close, the president reflected on the past 12 months and said that it has “delivered immense challenges”.
He spoke about the “uncertainty” surrounding the recent tax changes announced by the new Labour government, in particular the proposed removal of Agricultural Property Relief (APR).
“These changes threaten to undermine the viability of farms, and our ability to pass family farms on to the next generation. Both of which jeopardies our future and way of life that is at the core of our rural heritage,” Irvine said.
UFU
“Rest assured, the Ulster Farmers’ Union has been unwavering in its response to APR. We have lobbied intensively, making it clear to government ministers and policymakers about the catastrophic consequences these proposals will have on farm families.
“We are working in collaboration with our counterparts across the UK to ensure our collective voice is heard loud and clear. The message is simple: farming is not just an asset, it is a livelihood and a cornerstone of our economy,” Irvine added.
Irvine also mentioned the broader tax reforms that were announced in Labour’s autumn budget, which he said “will create additional financial strain”.
He said that rising costs uncertainty with planning and bovine tuberculosis (TB) has left many feeling “stretched to the limit”.
“We continue to lobby so that support for agriculture is ring-fenced, multiannual and inflation proofed, in turn, protecting local food security and the public’s ability to access local nutritious produce,” he said.
“2024 also provided a stark reminder of the importance of standing together – we are much stronger when we work as one unit,” Irvine added.
Despite the challenges and uncertainty, he said that opportunities lie ahead for farming and food production in Northern Ireland.
“The UFU will always ensure that your efforts are recognised, championing policies that support us to reach set targets while protecting farm incomes,” Irvine said.
