Gildernew encourages farm diversification uptake

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA addressed members of the Ulster Farmers’ Union at their annual dinner in the Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle.

The Minister took the opportunity to highlight the £20million fund available to farm families for farm diversification projects under Axis 3 of the Rural Development Programme.

Encouraging farm family members, with a well thought out business idea, to investigate this opportunity and discuss it with their Local Action Group, the Minister said: “I have seen many excellent diversification businesses undertaken under previous programmes which didn’t have a dedicated farm diversification measure. Indeed it is the success of such businesses that has led to the establishment of a specific farm diversification measure within the current programme with its ring-fenced budget.

“I firmly believe that opportunities such as this will enable families to generate new income streams that will strengthen the overall farm business and help secure their future on the land.”

In her address to UFU members, the Minister also spoke about the Farm Modernisation Programme and the Rural White Paper.

Minister Gildernew also paid tribute to the ongoing work of the UFU President and board, and the significant contribution their efforts were making to the benefit of farming families in the north.

Notes to editors:

1. Agriculture Minister, Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA was a guest speaker at the Ulster Farmers’ Union annual dinner today.
2. The Minister [accompanied by her husband] attended the event which was held in the Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle.
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.