The MP said: “The UFU has declared a vote of no confidence in Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir, Permanent Secretary Katrina Godfrey and Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher, and is calling for all three to resign.

“Calling for the resignation of three senior officials within the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs is a seismic move, but clearly demonstrates that the industry has lost all faith in DAERA’s leadership.”

“The UFU has also made clear that the appointment of former Republic of Ireland Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Martin Blake, does not deliver the independent review farmers were promised over the Fivemiletown cattle massacre,” she said.

Ms Lockhart added: “This is a major moment for the Northern Ireland agricultural industry, and comes as a petition calling for the Minister to resign has attracted almost 5,500 signatures.

“Andrew Muir and his officials are tone death and belligerent when it comes to the reality on the ground. They cannot just move on as if nothing has happened.

 “The farming community has spoken. The Minister needs to listen!”