During an interview on Tuesday morning's Good Morning Ulster broadcast Mr Muir said: "As Minister I can confirm this morning that we will be delivering £236m of support through the Farm Sustainability Payment. This is an income safety net for farmers to enable them to withstand some of the challenges they are now facing."

The Upper Bann MP said: "At a time of significant financial strain across the industry, farmers were initially excited by his ‘confusing’ remarks. The reality is that this money is pre-existing, ring-fenced funding that we've known about for some time. Contrary to what the Minister indicated, this is not new money from Westminster.

“However, he was right in saying that Northern Ireland is the only region in the UK where money has been earmarked for the agri-sector and secured for future years.”

She added: “Farmers are already under immense pressure due to months of relentless wet weather, volatile farmgate prices, and rapidly rising input costs, particularly for fuel, fertiliser and energy. Against this backdrop, clarity and honesty from government is essential.”

Ms Lockhart continued: “The Minister’s reference to the £236m Farm Sustainability Payment created the impression of new financial assistance. However, it is funding set aside for DAERA’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme, knowledge of which is widespread.

“Presenting this as a fresh intervention, risks giving false hope to farmers who are urgently seeking meaningful support to address the very real and immediate challenges they face. This scheme, while important for long-term sustainability, does not alleviate the acute cost pressures currently impacting farmers and other local businesses.”

During the interview, the Minister also said: "I will continue to engage with the UFU over other measures we can explore to assist farmers in Northern Ireland." Big words, with no substance!, commented the MP.

“Farmers are looking to Stormont and Westminster for tangible, targeted measures that respond directly to today’s crisis. Yet we are still waiting for the delivery of a bespoke support package for sheep farmers - something that has been under DAERA’s consideration for well over a year without resolution.



“While the Minister's promise to engage with industry stakeholders is welcome, it must translate into concrete action. Warm words and recycled announcements about existing funding are not enough,” concluded Ms Lockhart.