Politicians discuss climate change with the Ulster Farmers’ Union

THE Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has held several meetings – both online and in person – with local MLAs and councillors to discuss climate change.

Representatives from across the political spectrum took part, including West Tyrone MLAs Declan McAleer (Sinn Fein), Daniel McCrossan (SDLP) and Tom Buchanan (DUP). Also involved in the discussions was UUP Fermanagh and Omagh district councillor Bert Wilson.

The in-person meetings were held at UFU deputy president David Brown’s farm in Fermanagh as well as John McAleer’s farm in Tyrone.

The UFU lobbied MLAs and councillors on Clare Bailey’s Private Member’s Climate Change Bill. The farmers showed the work they’re doing on farm to tackle the global issue and how they are part of the climate change solution. A UFU spokesperson said, “All MLAs also received a copy of the KPMG economic impact assessment on the bill which confirms a net zero target of 2045 for NI will not only be the ruination of the agriculture industry, but it will create a staggering on-farm job loss of 13,000 and a reduction of £11 billion in economic output with no guarantees that the bill will reduce emissions.

“Predictions of an 86 per-cent reduction in cattle and sheep numbers are needed to hit the 2045 target in NI which would wipe out traditional grass-based family farming systems.”