The DUP’s Westminster agriculture, environment and rural affairs spokesperson was joined on stage by former UFU president David Brown. The meeting was hosted by local farmer and Clogher Valley councillor, Mark Robinson.

 The MP said: “We are all here tonight because we care about the future of farming in Northern Ireland.”

“Farming has been a way of life for generations, but it has never felt so under threat. Not from the normal daily woes caused by weather or markets, but from government, be it in the House of Commons or Minister Muir in Stormont. Policies that punish are sadly the order of the day.

“All too often we hear Ministers, including the Prime Minister, make promises about protecting farms. Ministers who speak of partnership, but are now legislating as if farmers are the problem.”

The Upper Bann MP added: “The policies hurtling down the tracks will decimate our thriving agri-food sector. A sector that contributes over £2.87 billion to the economy annually, and sustains tens of thousands of jobs.

“Instead of being supported, farmers are being over-regulated, under-consulted and heavily blamed for issues far beyond their control. Whether it’s climate change, water pollution, or food prices, the finger keeps pointing at farming.

“I want to point that finger right back at bad policy, political ideology, and at those in Stormont and Westminster who refuse to listen to the people who actually feed this country.

Ms Lockhart continued: “There’s no clearer example than the 2026–2029 Nutrient Action Programme, or as many have rightly called it, the ‘No Agriculture Plan’.”

“This document, if implemented, would devastate farms across Northern Ireland. No one will escape, big or small.

“NAP proposes 30 separate measures, including a three metre buffer strip on arable land; new phosphorus limits that are arbitrary and unworkable; a switch to low emission slurry spreading by 2030; extensive record keeping; and hefty fines for breaching the unrealistic regulations.

“Farmers are told not to worry, and expected to adjust within two years. Where is the cost benefit analysis? Where is the economic impact assessment? Where is the Minister when it’s time to face those affected?

Carla Lockhart MP added: “Recent DAERA and NIEA data confirms that only 32% of substantiated water pollution incidents in NI came from agriculture. That means 68% came from elsewhere - domestic sources, industry, NI Water, and 18 million tonnes of sewage dumped into waterways every year.

“Meanwhile, farmers are expected to carry the burden. This plan isn’t about partnership. It’s about control. It’s not about supporting farming. It’s about shrinking it. NAP represents destocking by stealth.

“If the Minister won’t withdraw this plan, he must be forced to do so via the Stormont Executive or the courts.”

The MP also criticised DAERA’s handling of the escalating bovine TB crisis. “The public purse has spent £60 million this year alone, and over £750 million in 20 years. Despite this staggering expenditure, we are no closer to a solution.

“Farmers are testing, tightening biosecurity and even sacrificing prize cattle, while the government still refuses to tackle the wildlife reservoirs of this disease.

“Badgers are not the enemy, but infected badgers are part of the problem. Unless we face that honestly and scientifically, TB will never be eradicated.

“It’s time for DAERA to stop hiding behind consultation papers and start implementing a targeted, evidence-led TB strategy that includes wildlife intervention. We cannot afford another decade of dithering.”

Carla Lockhart added: “Westminster’s looming inheritance tax changes are another threat to family farms and rural communities. HM Treasury plans to cap Agricultural Property Relief at £1 million, reduce Business Property Relief to 50%, and treat every farm as if it were a cash reserve.

“Farms are asset rich and cash poor, often highly leveraged, worked and reworked through generations. Selling land to pay death duties is not tax fairness, it is rural asset stripping.

“I’ve raised this directly with the Chancellor, alongside cross-party MPs. We are not backing down.”

The MP also highlighted a pending serious threat to animal health. She said: “From January 2026, new rules under the Windsor Framework will make it virtually impossible to import many veterinary medicines from GB to NI.

“This is due to EU requirements for batch testing and licensing that most GB suppliers simply won’t comply with for the small NI market.

“As a result, there will be fewer drugs and vaccines, higher costs and delays in treatment.

“We’ve raised this at every level, but we need action now, not in 2026 when the shelves are empty.

“This is about animal welfare, food safety and business continuity. We will not accept a veterinary blockade imposed on Northern Ireland.”

The DUP’s Westminster agri-food spokesperson is in favour of a responsible climate and food policy, but heavily rejects radicalism. She said: ”Farmers care about the environment. They have embraced sustainable practices, reduced emissions, protected watercourses and planted trees.

“The government cannot dictate a reduction in cattle herds and force farmers to turn prime pasture into woodland. This is totally unacceptable, especially when foreign food, produced to lower welfare standards, is flown into the UK from around the world. It’s climate hypocrisy!

“We are net contributors to carbon reduction. The UK will not accept being told to shut down its herds, while other countries expand theirs with no regulation.”

Concluding, Ms Lockhart urged farmers to stand united, strong and proud “We need to speak up and take our message to Stormont, Westminster, and every consultation room, press conference and social media platform.

“Farmers are not the villains. They care for the land, feed the country and invest in the future.

“If government Ministers truly care about farming, then they should STOP blaming farmers! It’s time to withdraw the NAP, fix the TB system, safeguard inheritance and secure vet medicines.



“Farming is the backbone of this country. Farmers are the solution and they will not be silenced, side lined or sold short. No Farmers, No Food!