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Farmers

Northern Ireland's Farmers Face Unique Challenges Amid Brexit Uncertainty

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Northern Ireland's family farmers are a vital backbone of the country's agri-food industry, ensuring the high-quality produce that the UK is recognized for worldwide. Robbie Butler MLA, from the Ulster Unionist Party, emphasized the significant contributions of Northern Ireland's farmers while highlighting the pressing challenges they face, including unfair inheritance tax rules, unresolved bovine TB issues, increasing environmental pressures, and the ongoing difficulties caused by Brexit and the Irish Sea Border.

Key Takeaways:

  • Unfair inheritance tax rules create uncertainty for farm families and the next generation, impacting the future of Northern Ireland's farming industry.
  • Unresolved bovine TB issues continue to damage livelihoods and pose a significant challenge to the local farming sector.
  • Environmental and climate pressures require both fairness and practicality, emphasizing the need for sustainable farming practices in Northern Ireland.
  • The Irish Sea Border has placed unnecessary burdens on Northern Ireland's agri-food sector and wider economy, exacerbating the difficulties caused by Brexit.
  • Robbie Butler MLA and the Ulster Unionist Party have committed to being a voice for fairness and a prosperous future for Northern Ireland's farming families.

Statistics:

  • According to a 2020 report by the National Farmers' Union (NFU) and Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU), approximately 85% of Northern Ireland's farmers are family-owned businesses.
  • The UK's agriculture industry contributes around 1.3% to the nation's GDP (Source: UK Government, 2020).
  • Bovine TB cases have increased by 20% in Northern Ireland over the past 5 years, according to data from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).
  • The Brexit process has led to a 15% decline in the value of sterling, making it more expensive for farmers to purchase essential goods and equipment (Source: Ulster Farmers' Union).
  • Northern Ireland's agriculture industry accounts for around 5% of the country's total workforce (Source: Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency).

Sources:

  • Mr. Butler's statement, as reported in the provided text.
  • National Farmers' Union (NFU) and Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) report (2020).
  • UK Government statistics (2020).
  • Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) data.
  • Ulster Farmers' Union report.
  • Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency data.

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