Farmers need straight answers on support, says UFU

Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) President William Irvine has called for greater clarity for farmers following recent commentary from Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir on support available to the sector.

Mr Irvine said, "Farmers are under significant pressure at the minute and what they need most is straightforward, honest communication about what support is actually available to them. There is a real risk that referencing existing schemes in the current context creates confusion, particularly when those schemes are already built into farm business planning and come with clear conditions attached.

"I've raised this directly with the Minister, and I have to say the response has not provided the clarity farmers are seeking. Instead, it has added to the uncertainty at a time when many are already trying to manage rising costs and difficult decisions on the farm."

The president continued, "What farmers want to see now is a clear recognition of the pressures they are facing and a focus on practical steps that will genuinely help ease those pressures. That means being upfront about what is new, what is already committed, and where further action is needed.

"There is growing frustration across the sector, and it's important that this is acknowledged and addressed in a way that builds confidence, not confusion. Farmers don't expect quick fixes, but they do expect leadership and a clear sense of direction, particularly when cost pressures are escalating so rapidly."

The UFU will continue to engage directly with the Minister for Agriculture and wider government to press for solutions that make a tangible difference at farm-level.

"Our focus is on ensuring that the challenges facing our members are properly understood and that responses match the scale and urgency of the situation," added Mr Irvine.