01/02/2013
Farming Income Falls 52.2%
Provisional figures released by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) show that 'Total Income from Farming' in Northern Ireland is down by 52.2% in real terms from £290 million in 2011 to £143 million in 2012.
Ulster Unionist Agriculture Spokesperson, Jo-Anne Dobson MLA said: "This bitterly disappointing announcement is the inevitable result of an Industry which is experiencing considerable pressure. For too long now Farmers have been squeezed from all sides by increasing costs and falling farm gate prices for their produce.
"This situation is not helped by having a Department of Agriculture which shows a cavalier indifference to the plight of the farmer.
"The fact that ‘Total Income from Farming’ has fallen by such a huge margin is indicative of what farmers have been saying for so long. Yet, in her response to this announcement the Minister merely hopes that 2013 will lead to improvements. As Minister it is within Michelle O'Neill's power to take immediate steps to help farmers and I call on her to swiftly respond to bring help to the industry before it is too late.
"Whilst the Minister confirms her concern and disappointment she must share responsibility for this drastic drop in farm incomes. Her Department continues to take actions which only heap added pressure onto an industry which is already at breaking point.
"Farmers need to have stability and fairness if we are to see a bright future for the industry. Many will be concerned that this announcement will lead to young farmers taking the decision to desert the industry, rather than feel there is a future for them in farming.
(CD)
Ulster Unionist Agriculture Spokesperson, Jo-Anne Dobson MLA said: "This bitterly disappointing announcement is the inevitable result of an Industry which is experiencing considerable pressure. For too long now Farmers have been squeezed from all sides by increasing costs and falling farm gate prices for their produce.
"This situation is not helped by having a Department of Agriculture which shows a cavalier indifference to the plight of the farmer.
"The fact that ‘Total Income from Farming’ has fallen by such a huge margin is indicative of what farmers have been saying for so long. Yet, in her response to this announcement the Minister merely hopes that 2013 will lead to improvements. As Minister it is within Michelle O'Neill's power to take immediate steps to help farmers and I call on her to swiftly respond to bring help to the industry before it is too late.
"Whilst the Minister confirms her concern and disappointment she must share responsibility for this drastic drop in farm incomes. Her Department continues to take actions which only heap added pressure onto an industry which is already at breaking point.
"Farmers need to have stability and fairness if we are to see a bright future for the industry. Many will be concerned that this announcement will lead to young farmers taking the decision to desert the industry, rather than feel there is a future for them in farming.
(CD)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
