Rising costs ‘crippling’ most farming sectors in NI – FFA

The rising costs of fuel, fertiliser, and other essentials are increasingly becoming a significant burden for farmers across Northern Ireland, according to the Farmers For Action (FFA) organisation. The steering committee of the FFA has expressed deep concern over the current situation, stating that these escalating expenses are now "crippling" most farming sectors in the region.

In addition to the rising costs, the FFA has highlighted the issue of "abysmal" farm gate prices, which they believe are exacerbating the financial struggles faced by farmers. The organisation claims that these low prices are contributing to what they describe as "breaking the camel's back," implying that farmers are being pushed to their limits.

The FFA has also criticised the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) for what they perceive as worsening the situation. They argue that DAERA's continuous increase in regulations is now reaching a point of "blackmail," where farmers are required to complete numerous courses in order to qualify for their diminishing annual support money. The FFA asserts that the hours spent on these courses, in comparison to the support money received, will soon become "unviable."

Sean McAuley, a steering committee member at the FFA, emphasised the pressure on farmers, noting that the average age of farmers in Northern Ireland is now 59-60 years old, with young people being driven away from the industry both financially and due to a lack of planning. McAuley highlighted that this pressure is leading to a significant increase in the workload for rural support charities such as Rural Support and the Samaritans, as farmers seek help and assistance.

The FFA has proposed a Farm Welfare Bill, which aims to ensure that farmers are paid a price that fully accounts for all input costs, including an allowance for the farmer's time and effort. This proposal is seen as a way to address the current challenges faced by the farming sector and to provide a more sustainable and equitable future for farmers in Northern Ireland.

The situation in Northern Ireland's farming industry is undoubtedly dire, with farmers grappling with rising costs, low prices, and an increasingly burdensome regulatory environment. The FFA's call for action serves as a stark reminder that urgent attention must be given to the challenges facing this vital sector, in order to secure its future and the livelihoods of those who depend on it.