UFU calls on Labour government to provide critical secure farm support
Following the first Labour Government Budget announcement in 14 years that sent shockwaves through Northern Ireland’s farming community, the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) says it is vital the NI executive secure a multi-year, ring-fenced commitment that safeguards the NI agriculture industry.
UFU president William Irvine says concerns surrounding farm support funding need to be addressed. He added: “The funding decisions were equally unexpected in the Chancellor’s budget announcement.
“While initially disappointing, a closer look at the Treasury’s announcements shows room for progress. The NI farm support budget for 2025-2026 is being maintained, but without a ring fence,” he said.
“This shift means NI’s farming sector now competes directly with other essential services such as health, education, and social care, for vital support.
The responsibility for allocating additional funds to agriculture rests with the NI executive. The NI Assembly recently agreed a motion that agriculture needs a bigger budget and to be ring fenced.
“The UFU is calling on the NI executive to deliver this commitment. “Our focus now turns to ensuring our farmers and growers receive the funding they deserve.
“It is more important than ever that we push for a stable, multi-year commitment that safeguards the agri sector.” Mr Irvine emphasised the direct support to farming is effectively a subsidy on food prices which continues to be provided by the UK Government since we have left the EU.
“On average over the last 10 years, just under 80 percent of farm income comes from direct support.
“Therefore it is essential farmers and growers get the long-term support they require to continue producing high-quality, nutritious food at affordable prices,” he said.
The UFU says there is also a need for additional capital, or a just transition fund as agreed by NI Assembly to help NI agriculture adapt to the NI Climate Change Bill.
“We’re all on this journey towards net zero and farmers are committed to reducing emissions while feeding a growing population, but it is vital that these are additional to the direct support budget provided to achieve this,” said Mr Irvine.
Coupled with the proposed changes to Inheritance Tax and Agricultural Property Relief will devastate countless family-owned farms. “These reforms bring immense financial and mental stress to farm families and businesses.
“After years of already slim margins, increased production costs, a cost-of-living crisis and battling with extreme weather events, many farmers and growers are at breaking point, unable to absorb any more cost burden.
“We challenge the Secretary of State Hilary Benn’s analysis that this will only impact one quarter of farm businesses.
“We are calling on the UK government to urgently reconsider these changes to protect farm families across the UK,” said Mr Irvine.
Mr Irvine added, this budget signals a new era where policy and funding must work together to support our farmers unique role in food production, biodiversity, and sustaining rural communities.
“The road ahead will be challenging, but the UFU are fully committed to working tirelessly to secure a sustainable future for NI agriculture,” said the UFU president.
