Northern Ireland Executive : O Neill concerned about drop in agricultural incomes

Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill today re-affirmed her determination to continue working to help farmers as a fall in 2015 agricultural income is announced.
~ Thursday, 28 January 2016

Commenting on the figures, the Minister, said: 'Farmers have been hit significantly hard by low prices throughout last year and though it will come as no surprise that incomes have fallen in 2015, the extent of the reduction is concerning. The total income from farming figure for the industry as a whole is at a level not seen for 10 years and the farm level estimates show that while all sectors have suffered, it has been particularly difficult for dairy and pig farmers. Poor prices have been the major contributor to this downturn. Depressed markets have caused major difficulties for farmers. Direct CAP payments, which amounted to £236million last year act as a first line of defence in helping farmers through these difficult times, and the uncertainty around the future of these subsidies given a potential EU exit will further confound farmers' fears. It was important that we hit our targets in terms of making as many of these payments as possible in December. To date, over 96% of payments have been made and we are prioritising the remainder.'

The Minister added: 'However, although prices have been down globally due to production overtaking consumption, we have been doubly hit because of exchange rate effects and, therefore, the crisis in agricultural markets has been all the more devastating for our farmers. The EU Commission came under sustained pressure to act to help farmers and although the £5.1million Dairy Crisis Package which we secured was welcome, I believe the Commission needs to go further. That is why I have repeatedly pressed EU Commissioner Phil Hogan to review the EU market intervention system, and today's figures graphically illustrate why that review is necessary immediately.

'Cash-flow is a continuing problem for farmers and I will continue to encourage banks and agricultural suppliers to be proactive, sympathetic and flexible on this issue. The Department's advisers continue to work with farmers on cost control, technical efficiency and business management issues to help them deal with the current crisis.'

The Minister continued: 'We also need to continue to work to improve efficiency and competitiveness and help build resilience in the longer term. This is why I am determined to get the best out of the new Rural Development Programme, which offers an opportunity to build a strong and resilient industry. I have also asked the Agri-Food Strategy Board to convene a Supply Chain Forum and bring together representatives from across the supply chain to ensure that those responsible for producing our high quality food are getting fair financial rewards for their work. Plans are well advanced for a second meeting of the Forum.'

The Minister concluded: 'We have also made good progress with opening up new markets in China, India and Canada and I will continue to prioritise this work. Given the continuing growth in world populations that brings increased demand for food, I remain optimistic about the long-term opportunities for our industry. However, the current income crisis requires that we continue to work on all fronts to help farmers and I re-affirm my commitment to doing just that.'

1. The provisional 2015 agricultural income figures were issued today by DARD Statistical Press Release, Number 010/16 and can be downloaded from the DARD website.
2. DARD Statistics are available on the DARD website or via Twitter: @DARDstats
3. All media queries should be directed to the DARD Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or email DARD Press Office: [e-mail]. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.