The British Chancellor’s budget on Wednesday has created anxiety and uncertainty for the farming community in the North

Speaking in the wake of a number of worrying announcements for the future of local agriculture, Sinn Féin’s Emma Sheerin has asked for the prioritisation of food producers in the north.

The British Chancellor’s budget on Wednesday has created anxiety and uncertainty for the farming community in the North. 

“Family farms are the backbone of our agriculture sector and rural economies in the north of Ireland.

“The announcement on changes to the inheritance tax threshold for farmers has caused significant concern about what it means and that it could make it more difficult to sustain family farms into the next generation which are vital to the future or our agri-food sector and many local rural communities.

“The announcement from the British government that there will no-longer be a ring-fenced budget for agriculture here is also causing uncertainty with regards to future funding for agriculture. This is in stark contrast with the situation of farmers in the rest of Ireland who continue to receive EU funding.

“It is important the Minister for Agriculture ensures family farms in the north are supported and the continued viability of our agriculture sector is protected.”