Addressing the Assembly on the motion, the Minister said: “I am very concerned with the current situation facing the intensive production sectors. I would like to take the action necessary to influence the cereals or the intensive production markets but the reality is that we are just a small regional player in a very large EU market and as such cannot significantly influence the markets at EU level.”
Turning to available help for farmers, the Minister said: “While I cannot provide any additional funding my Department will assist in whatever way it can, to help producers develop new production systems for the intensive production sector with a view to satisfying the demands of, or need for, new market opportunities.”
During the debate the Minister outlined a series of initiatives undertaken to assist the industry through this difficult time. These included meetings with ministerial colleagues to discuss increased public procurement of local produce, correspondence with supermarkets, engagement in the work of the Red Meat Task Force, correspondence with DEFRA, Secretary of State and Mary Coughlan TD to urge support for the re-introduction of export refunds for the pig sector, which were subsequently introduced, and ongoing work with the Ulster Farmers’ Union to progress together through the current difficulties.
In addition, the Minister outlined the work undertaken by the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) and The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) to assist the industry, and referred to support under the Rural Development Programme.
Notes to Editors:
1. The aforementioned debate took place in the Assembly yesterday. The No Day Named Motion brought forward Mr G Savage (MLA Upper Bann) and Mr Tom Elliott (MLA, Fermanagh and South Tyrone) proposed the following:
“That this Assembly notes with concern the scarcity of grain within Europe, which is having a detrimental effect on the profits of the production sector, as a result of higher grain prices; and calls on the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide intervention support to the intensive production sector that relies upon grain.”
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