Northern Ireland Farm Welfare Bill Aims to Set 'Guaranteed Prices' for Farmers
Source: The DairyNews
The Farmers for Action (FFA) group is championing a new legislative proposal, the Northern Ireland Farm Welfare Bill, which promises to secure guaranteed prices for dairy, beef, and sheep farmers. The bill is designed to cover all costs of production and incorporate an additional margin, enabling farmers to invest in their business futures.
According to William Taylor, a spokesperson for the FFA, the legislation comes in response to the sharp price increases in egg and potato markets witnessed in recent months, which he attributes to Westminster's cheap food policy. This policy, he argues, has forced many egg and poultry farmers to abandon their operations, leading to significant shortages and price spikes in these staple foods.
"Had the principles of the Farm Welfare Bill been in place, egg and potato farmers would have received the necessary support when it was most needed," Taylor explained. He believes that the absence of such a bill has allowed the prices of these foods to escalate dramatically in retail settings.
Taylor further outlined that under the proposed bill, realistic pricing would have been sustained for other sectors as well. "We would be discussing farmgate milk prices in the region of 55p to 60p per litre, and beef prices at around £8.50 per kilo today," he noted.
The FFA is planning future discussions with the team of the NI Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister to advocate for the principles and benefits of the proposed bill for the agriculture and food sectors in Northern Ireland.
However, the success of the bill's passage through the Northern Ireland Assembly hinges on the support of the NI Agriculture Minister, Andrew Muir, along with other elected officials. The timing is critical as the FFA is aware that the legislative assembly's summer recess could delay proceedings.
"Had the principles of the Farm Welfare Bill been in place, egg and potato farmers would have received the necessary support when it was most needed," Taylor explained. He believes that the absence of such a bill has allowed the prices of these foods to escalate dramatically in retail settings.
Taylor further outlined that under the proposed bill, realistic pricing would have been sustained for other sectors as well. "We would be discussing farmgate milk prices in the region of 55p to 60p per litre, and beef prices at around £8.50 per kilo today," he noted.
The FFA is planning future discussions with the team of the NI Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister to advocate for the principles and benefits of the proposed bill for the agriculture and food sectors in Northern Ireland.
However, the success of the bill's passage through the Northern Ireland Assembly hinges on the support of the NI Agriculture Minister, Andrew Muir, along with other elected officials. The timing is critical as the FFA is aware that the legislative assembly's summer recess could delay proceedings.
