Council concerns over impact of new policy proposal on small farmers

By Adam Morton, Local Democracy Reporter

MID Ulster District Council is to seek the views of two agricultural bodies to help form its response to a Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs consultation on future agricultural policy.

The purpose of the consultation is to seek views on the policy proposals for future support mechanisms necessary to achieve a future sustainable agriculture industry.

With the item raised by Councillor Cathal Mallaghan at the monthly meeting on Thursday, January 27, Councillor Derek McKinney suggested Council seek the support of the Ulster Farmers Union and the Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers Association (NIAPA) to help formulate its consultation response.

Addressing the consultation, Sinn Fein group leader, Councillor Cathal Mallaghan, said he was concerned about the eight-week window those who wished to respond had, and expressed concern the Department was focused on getting small farmers “off the pitch”.

“I understand the window for the consultation is only eight weeks but normal procedure is for 12 weeks. It closes on February 15 so it does not give us a very good opportunity to put together a substantive response,” he said.

“I have a number of concerns, particularly in regard to the potential change to the definition of active farmer.

“My understanding is the Department is intending to move from having three hectares to 10 hectares and that would rule an awful lot of people, especially those that have been left small holdings, unable to claim single farm payment. You would have to have a minimum of 25 acres in order to do so.”

He continued, “For some people who run a small farm and work at the same time that would take them out of the equation altogether. It just seems to be the Department is focused on getting small farmers off the pitch.

“These changes would also lead to significant difficulties for people from the rural areas achieving planning permission.

“There are other issues here and I think we would need more time to respond accordingly and would ask that we write to the Department seeking an extension to this deadline.”

DUP Councillor Clement Cuthbertson said he was “happy to support” this proposal describing it as a “conversation we need to have”.

Sinn Fein Councillor Phelim Gildernew said he felt the proposals were potentially more serious than they looked at first glance.

“I would back calls to change this to the hilt,” he said.

His party colleague, Councillor Sean Clarke said he would have particular concern for the small farmer and claimed there would be an “awful lot” of active farms under 10 acres in the district.

UUP Councillor Derek McKinney said he was happy to support the proposal as well but called on Council to seek the views of professional farming bodies to help formulate its response.

“As a Council we would be best to invite someone from the UFU and NIAPA,” he said.

“Many councillors have been in joint meetings with these individuals and if we could get a representative from these organisations and members of this council who have an interest in this to come together, that would be the best way forward.

“We need to do this as soon as possible. February 15 is fast approaching and this is one we need to get into gear and get into gear quickly.”

His party colleague, Councillor Mark Glasgow said he would fully support Cllr McKinney’s suggestion.

Council’s Chair, Councillor Paul McLean told the chamber that nobody disagreed with the suggestion and confirmed Council would seek to arrange the meeting.

“Everyone is happy we get as much input and get as much mileage out of it as possible,” said Cllr McLean.