Pig farmers urged not to miss funding deadline

Carla Lockhart MP • February 14, 2023

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has urged pig producers across Northern Ireland to be mindful of the upcoming deadline for DAERAs Exceptional Costs Pig Scheme. Applications will close to the scheme on February 21, 2023.

Speaking ahead of the deadline, the DUP EFRA Spokesperson said:

 

“The Exceptional Costs Pig Scheme is currently open to applications.

 

This Scheme, devised by my colleague the former DAERA Minister Edwin Poots MLA, offers our hard pressed pig sector much needed financial support. The industry has been hit hard by a sharp increase in input costs, and challenging conditions in the market. This funding opportunity is timely, providing a much needed source of cashflow.

 

The scheme will pay £6.10 per pig with a maximum payment to any eligible farm business of £54,000. It is vital those this opportunity for a cash injection into local pig farms is not missed. The deadline is just around the corner, on February 21st.

 

I would strongly encourage anyone who feels they may be eligible for this funding to not delay.”

Share

Chancellor must STOP the Family Farm Tax

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 19, 2025
The countdown is on ahead of the Chancellor’s autumn budget on 26 th November, and pressure is mounting on the Labour government to do an eleventh hour U-turn on its proposed changes to historic Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR).

Christian Ethos in Schools Must Be Defended

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 19, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart was at the Supreme Court today as judgment was handed down in the challenge brought against the place of religious education and collective worship in Northern Ireland’s schools.

Lockhart Welcomes Installation of New Grit Bin at Linen Green in Waringstown

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 19, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the installation of a new grit bin at the entrance to Linen Green in Waringstown, following a lengthy process to have the development formally adopted.

Community at Its Best as Carla Lockhart MP Visits Groups Across Upper Bann

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 19, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the outstanding community spirit shown across the constituency following a busy day of engagements with local groups on Saturday.

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart Attends Annual Service of Remembrance at Bethany Free Presbyterian Church

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 19, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces and security personnel after attending the Annual Service of Remembrance and Reflection at Bethany Free Presbyterian Church, Portadown.

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart Celebrates Remarkable 102nd Birthday of Much-Loved Banbridge Resident

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 19, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid a heartfelt tribute to Mrs Weir of Banbridge, who has celebrated her 102nd birthday, describing her as “one of Banbridge’s finest” and a cherished figure within the local community.

Lockhart leads NI farming delegation to HM treasury

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 18, 2025
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has led a representation on behalf of the Ulster Farmers’ Union, to HM Treasury in Whitehall to hand in a letter protesting against proposed inheritance tax reforms.

Farmers left in limbo over critical issues

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 13, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has accused the UK government of leaving farmers in limbo over a number of critical and hugely concerning issues.

Lockhart urging DEFRA to step-up as vet meds grace period deadline looms

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 13, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has warned that farmers, pet owners and vets in Northern Ireland could face serious disruption when the current grace period for supplying veterinary medicines ends on 31 December 2025 .

Lockhart Praises Banbridge Volunteers Supporting the Poppy Appeal

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 12, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the dedication of local volunteers supporting this year’s Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal in Banbridge, and joined with the community on Sunday to honour the fallen at the town’s Remembrance Service.