Carla Lockhart said:

“I have been working alongside representatives of local agricultural shows to press home the need for some form of financial support, following two years of detestation to these much loved community events.

Therefore I am delighted with the announcement from my colleague Edwin Poots MLA that he is bringing £200,000 of funding to the table to assist shows to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many shows have not been held for two years, but costs have continued. That has made restarting these events difficult, with cash reserves long gone. This funding will enable organisers to press ahead with plans for 2022.

I know I am looking forward to visiting these agricultural shows this summer. They are showcase events for our agri-food industry and a great chance for town and country to meet in support of our agricultural heritage. It will be great to have them back!”