The Upper Bann representative said:

“A strong Northern Ireland and UK agri-food sector depends on sustainable direct support for farmers as primary producers. This is particularly the case in our local family farm model, where the ongoing support from Government in respect of direct payments is the financial lifeblood of many farm businesses.

It is deeply concerning that Labour has indicated that they would consider reducing the budget for direct farm support. We ought to be exploring policies and financial commitments that help producers to produce more of our food here in the UK. We want grown here food, not flown here food. Yet if we reduce the money made available to support primary producers, we will become even more reliant on imports to feed the nation. In an ever volatile world, that is a risky pathway.

Whoever forms the next Government must prioritise our agri-food sector, and that must be shown through pro-farming policies backed up with adequate budgets. Both Labour and the Conservative Party must realise that food security is best ensured by a thriving UK agri-food sector.”