Menu
30/01/2003
Farm incomes slip to £88 a week
It has been revealed that the average farm in Northern Ireland is operating on £88 per week, according to figures released by the Department of Agriculture today.
According to the department, last year's poor prices and the effects of the adverse weather in Northern Ireland during much of 2002 were mostly responsible for the downturn.
NIO Agriculture Minister Ian Pearson said that the income figures were "disappointing" but would come as "no surprise to those in the industry".
"There are some mildly encouraging signs at present, particularly the firming of milk prices in recent weeks; also, the significant strengthening of the euro relative to sterling, which should lead both to increased support prices and higher rates of direct payments," he said.
"Nevertheless, agriculture remains under financial pressure and I acknowledge that it is a difficult time for farmers and their families to face further uncertainty arising from the EU Commission's detailed Mid-term Review proposals published last week."
Mr Pearson pledged to ensure that the interests of Northern Ireland agriculture were properly represented at the EC.
The Ulster Unionist agriculture spokesman George Savage said that warnings about the decline of the farming industry have been made over the past two years. He said that a Fair Price Commission was the best way to tackle the problem and that he would be making strong representations to the Minister.
Mr Savage added: "Our farmers are fed up listening, they have articulated their case often through protests and campaigns such as ‘CARE’ but there seems to be nobody listening in the corridors of power.
“The government must ensure that it is not hoodwinked in all this with the French and other nations wriggling out of their responsibilities while farmers in the UK are left to shoulder the burden with rigid implementation of EU proposals.”
The SDLP's John Dallat slammed the Minister as a "puppet on the farm" and said that the institutions must be restored at once to deal effectively with the plight of the farmers.
"An all-island strategy on animal health and the resources and determination to wipe out animal diseases is of critical importance," he said.
"Equally important is the commitment to modernise the department of agriculture, cutting wherever possible, unnecessary waste to ensure that money is spent in development rather than bureaucracy and unnecessary red tape.
"None of this is possible while the direct rulers are in situ not wanting to be here and certainly have no desire to rattle the cages of their political masters in London."
(GMcG)
According to the department, last year's poor prices and the effects of the adverse weather in Northern Ireland during much of 2002 were mostly responsible for the downturn.
NIO Agriculture Minister Ian Pearson said that the income figures were "disappointing" but would come as "no surprise to those in the industry".
"There are some mildly encouraging signs at present, particularly the firming of milk prices in recent weeks; also, the significant strengthening of the euro relative to sterling, which should lead both to increased support prices and higher rates of direct payments," he said.
"Nevertheless, agriculture remains under financial pressure and I acknowledge that it is a difficult time for farmers and their families to face further uncertainty arising from the EU Commission's detailed Mid-term Review proposals published last week."
Mr Pearson pledged to ensure that the interests of Northern Ireland agriculture were properly represented at the EC.
The Ulster Unionist agriculture spokesman George Savage said that warnings about the decline of the farming industry have been made over the past two years. He said that a Fair Price Commission was the best way to tackle the problem and that he would be making strong representations to the Minister.
Mr Savage added: "Our farmers are fed up listening, they have articulated their case often through protests and campaigns such as ‘CARE’ but there seems to be nobody listening in the corridors of power.
“The government must ensure that it is not hoodwinked in all this with the French and other nations wriggling out of their responsibilities while farmers in the UK are left to shoulder the burden with rigid implementation of EU proposals.”
The SDLP's John Dallat slammed the Minister as a "puppet on the farm" and said that the institutions must be restored at once to deal effectively with the plight of the farmers.
"An all-island strategy on animal health and the resources and determination to wipe out animal diseases is of critical importance," he said.
"Equally important is the commitment to modernise the department of agriculture, cutting wherever possible, unnecessary waste to ensure that money is spent in development rather than bureaucracy and unnecessary red tape.
"None of this is possible while the direct rulers are in situ not wanting to be here and certainly have no desire to rattle the cages of their political masters in London."
(GMcG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 April 2011
DARD Flies In With Farm Payments
NI farmers are really getting on the map with news that the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) is again to use aerial photography to assess eligibility for EC Single Farm Payments.
DARD Flies In With Farm Payments
NI farmers are really getting on the map with news that the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) is again to use aerial photography to assess eligibility for EC Single Farm Payments.
21 November 2024
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
02 September 2013
MLA Welcomes Attitude Change Towards Farm Safety
Ulster Unionist MLA and the party's agriculture spokesperson Jo-Anne Dobson has said attitudes towards farm safety are changing. The Upper Bann MLA added that she welcomed the "sea change" in attitudes following a recent meeting with senior Fire Service officials.
MLA Welcomes Attitude Change Towards Farm Safety
Ulster Unionist MLA and the party's agriculture spokesperson Jo-Anne Dobson has said attitudes towards farm safety are changing. The Upper Bann MLA added that she welcomed the "sea change" in attitudes following a recent meeting with senior Fire Service officials.
22 November 2024
Mobile Gaming Trends in Northern Ireland
Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in Northern Ireland, encompassing everything from sports betting and online gambling to video games. As technology advances, particularly with the advent of 5G, the mobile gaming sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.
Mobile Gaming Trends in Northern Ireland
Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in Northern Ireland, encompassing everything from sports betting and online gambling to video games. As technology advances, particularly with the advent of 5G, the mobile gaming sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.
21 November 2024
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
