UFU delivers no confidence blow to Daera

Northern Ireland’s largest farming union has issued a sharp condemnation of its regulator, unanimously passing a vote of no confidence in the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera).

The resolution was approved at the Ulster Farmers’ Union’s executive committee meeting last week.

UFU president William Irvine said the move was first mooted in early summer, after the controversial release of the consultation on the nutrients action programme.

See also: NI farm groups call for pause to Nutrients Action Programme

“We gave Daera time to see if things would improve, but after mounting frustration over the past few months on a host of other issues, this vote of no confidence was unanimously agreed last night at our executive meeting,” he added.

The result of no confidence in Daera represents a deep dissatisfaction from UFU members on how the department is handling key issues affecting farmers, the union said.

Our members now have zero confidence in Daera’s willingness or ability and this unanimous vote of no confidence is unfortunately a very stark reflection of its failings and inadequacies. UFU president William Irvine

UFU president William Irvine © UFU

Remain patient

Mr Irvine continued: “The UFU had continued to engage with the department in good faith, remaining patient and hopeful that co-operation would yield results, but felt this was not being reciprocated by Daera.

“From wildlife intervention to tackle bovine TB, ammonia controls and planning in relation to the nutrients action programme, sheep sector support and a generational renewal scheme under the sustainable farming programme, Daera is failing to deliver for the farming industry.

“There is also the ongoing unjustified focus on agriculture regarding climate change and Lough Neagh. Plus the recent AFBI data breach and heightened concerns around data security.”

Mr Irvine said farmers were prepared to play their part in creating an environmentally and economically sustainable agriculture industry, but Daera needs to work with farmers to deliver what is needed, but this has not happened.

“Our members now have zero confidence in Daera’s willingness or ability and this unanimous vote of no confidence is unfortunately a very stark reflection of its failings and inadequacies,” he added. 

‘Damning indictment’ 

Carla Lockhart, agriculture spokesman for the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), described the UFU’s vote as a “momentous and damning indictment” of ministerial leadership.

“This is a big move and absolutely damning for our minister [Andrew] Muir,” she said.

“The minister has proven to be no friend to the farmer or to rural communities… With a complete failure to listen and deliver.

“The Ulster Farmers’ Union executive have now spoken with one voice, and their unanimous vote of no confidence is a clear reflection of the anger and frustration felt right across our countryside.

“Farmers have been ignored for too long. It’s time to fight back and stand up for those who feed us.” 

A Daera spokesman responded, saying: “The department is disappointed to learn of the UFU vote. Our door is always open to discuss issues with them.”