NI food should not be undercut by cheap US imports – Muir

Food from Northern Ireland should not be “undercut by cheap imports” from the US, Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir has said.

Speaking during a speech delivered on the eve of the Balmoral Show, Mr Muir also said he was continuing to make the case to the Government for a comprehensive SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary) veterinary agreement between the UK and EU.

The Balmoral Show, the largest agricultural show in Northern Ireland, begins on Wednesday near Lisburn with more than 100,000 people expected to attend over the four days.

Addressing the annual Farmers’ Club dinner held in Queen’s University Belfast, Mr Muir reiterated his opposition to proposed changes to inheritance tax.

From April 2026, inherited agricultural assets worth more than £1 million, which were previously exempt, will have to pay inheritance tax at 20%.

Farmers in Northern Ireland have said they will be disproportionally affected by the changes.

Mr Muir said: “I do have to again express my bitter disappointment at the UK Government’s plans to change inheritance tax.

“Let me be clear, the family farm tax is wrong, it should not proceed.”

The minister said he had been making ongoing representations to the Government about the need for an SPS veterinary agreement between the UK and EU.

He said: “I have been making the case strongly to UK Government ministers on this and other matters and I am quietly confident that my points are being heard.

“There is still a way to go with UK/EU negotiations but I am hopeful there will be a positive and significant outcome for agri-food.”

The minister also highlighted his representations to the Government urging against concessions on agriculture in discussions with the US on trade.

He said: “Farmers in Northern Ireland produce quality food to the highest welfare standards, they should not be undercut by cheap imports from the USA or elsewhere.”

Mr Muir urged partnership working to deliver “economic and environmental sustainability” for the agri-food sector.

He said: “Helping our farmers mitigate cost and price pressures by improving their productivity and resilience, while also achieving environment improvement is my guiding mission.

“There’s lots to do, but together, led by the science and by investing in the technology, a strong and positive future is ahead.

“The pace of change in recent years is unprecedented. Looking back just 10 years ago is clear proof of that transformation.

“Addressing current challenges requires us all to work in partnership to protect both farm families and our environment.”

The minister cited a range of challenges facing the agriculture sector including bovine TB, climate change, water quality, nature recovery and ammonia.