"The agri-food sector is absolutely vital to the Northern Ireland economy and in these difficult times the strength of the sector will be key to helping move Northern Ireland out of the recession.
 
Farmers need a strong voice delivering for them in Europe, Westminster and Stormont. This policy document highlights many issues which may be decided in Brussels but will be implemented here in Northern Ireland. There are also very important issues which lie with Westminster such as the Conacre ruling and we will continue to press the Treasury to treat Northern Ireland farmers fairly. It is because agriculture is affected by so many different layers of decision making that it is absolutely vital to have a joined-up approach to lobbying and decision making.  An MEP needs to have access to Stormont and Westminster as the policies may be crafted in Brussels but its the local governments which will impliment them.
 
As a party we want to see the progress made in cutting back on red-tape and bureaucracy in the local industry improved upon and replicated within Europe. We will work to ensure that cross-compliance rules are simplified and administration kept to a minimum within the Single Farm Payment system.
 
Our document also highlights particular concerns about proposed changes to the LFA scheme since the removal of support to those farming large areas of land will lead to further de-stocking of hill farms. This undergrazing will have significant environmental effects which I believe have not been fully assessed.
 
One of our key priorities for focus will remain our dairy industry which has been going through very difficult times. We will continue to lobby for whatever assistance is possible from Europe whilst also pressing the Minister locally to take forward a strategy for the industry. The DUP also supports moves by processors to develop new innovative products and decrease reliance on commodity products."

Also commenting at the launch, DUP Agriculture Spokesman and Chairman of the Assembly’s Agriculture Committee William McCrea said,

"The DUP has a record of delivery on agriculture issues within the Assembly. Our team within the Assembly and Executive will continue to fight for the agri-food sector but we want to see progress from the Department of Agriculture on a number of issues.
 
Something we have been highlighting for some time is the need for a proper strategy to tackle animal diseases. Currently Tuberculosis is costing the Northern Ireland taxpayer £20 million per year to manage. The DUP Environment Minister paved the way for a cull of badgers and we believe the Agriculture Minister must take advantage of this, and build further upon it by bringing forward a strategy for the eradication of TB here in Northern Ireland which deals with the reservoir of infection present amongst wildlife.
 
Food scares can also be devastating to the agri-food industry. That is why we believe that the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland should be accountable to the devolved Government and take decisions which are both science-based and proportionate. The Northern Ireland food industry should not be put at risk by unaccountable bodies.
 
As a Party we have always been proud to have the reputation of the ‘farmers friend’.  Since the return of devolution we have delivered on a number of issues including the scrapping of PPS14 and replacing it with a more pragmatic policy for rural dwellers, reduction of the cosed period for the spreading of slurry last autumn after the wet summer weather, less paper work associated with farm wastes and provided sufficient funding for the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme.  We want to build a strong and vibrant agricultural industry for the future here in Northern Ireland and we will continue to work at every level of Government to deliver for our agri-food sector."

Read more in our policy proposals-

PRIORITIES FOR THE AGRI-FOOD SECTOR
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