Gildernew discusses plight of farmers hit by cold snap with Finance Minister

Minister Michelle Gildernew MLA has met Finance Minister Sammy Wilson MLA to discuss the range of budgetary pressures facing her Department.

The issues include the need to top up funding for animal disease compensation and the Rural Development Programme. The Ministers also discussed funding for farmers affected by severe frost in January and the more recent heavy snowfall.

The meeting follows agreement by the Executive on 11 February that the DARD Minister should discuss with the DFP Minister what support, if any, might be available from the Executive for a facility to provide financial assistance to farmers who suffered crop damage due to the severe frost in January.

Speaking after the meeting, the Minister said: "During the course of the meeting, I outlined the initial outcome of the recent crop damage assessment exercise, based on grower figures, which estimate losses to be in the order of £2.3million. We had a discussion on the problems faced by these farmers and how these might be addressed and a proposal will be brought back to the Executive for consideration in the near future."

The Minister also raised concerns about sheep farmers who have suffered losses of breeding ewes and lambs as a consequence of the heavy snow. She indicated that her Department would seek to respond constructively to appeals from farmers that reduced stocking densities should not impact on their entitlement to Less Favoured Area payments. She encouraged farmers to look to commercial insurance to protect against unforeseen events.

The Minister said: "I will be informing the Executive about the losses suffered by these farmers, and considering whether there is any help that can be given."

Notes to editors:

1. The Executive agreed to discussions with the DFP Minister around funding for hardship assistance to potato and vegetable growers who suffered crop damage due to severe frost in January 2010.
2. The Agriculture (Hardship Payment) Scheme (Northern Ireland) 2009, provided for hardship payments to farmers who reported losses to the Department as a result of the flooding in August 2008. This was a one off initiative.
3. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, tel 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.