Devolved Assembly could offer Sustainable Future for Beef Industry - Stevenson
Ulster Unionist Assembly Candidate for East Londonderry, Edwin Stevenson has said today that a devolved assembly must create an action plan on beef farming so as to turnaround recent industry decline.
Addressing unfair and restrictive practices and helping to secure a sustainable future for Northern Ireland’s farm businesses is a key element to the UUP’s election manifesto.
The Party is committed to:
- bringing key stakeholders together to work to establish Northern Ireland beef in the markets lost during the beef ban
- developing a focused marketing strategy to increase awareness of our beef across the EU
- and creating a regulatory framework that promotes a fair relationship between producers, processors and the multiples.
In a statement, Mr Stevenson said: “Northern Ireland farmers – who are at the heart of the rural economy – produce quality products and have a crucial role as custodians of the rural environment.
“However, it is vital that beef production on local farms is maintained. Indications from last year’s Agricultural Census show that the availability of calves – the basic raw material for future beef production – has already declined. It seems certain that unless prices improve, the fall in breeding cow numbers is likely to continue.”
Concluding, he said: “The UUP has a strong tradition of speaking up for Northern Ireland’s farming community. In this election, Ulster Unionists are determined to ensure that the voice of Northern Ireland’s farming community - its hopes, aspirations and concerns - are not ignored. Our Party will work through an Assembly and Executive to ensure that a devolved government is on the side of Northern Ireland’s farm businesses.”