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Ulster Unionist East Londonderry candidate Edwin Stevenson has said that once devolution is up and running here Ulster Unionists will be pressing for government agencies to massively increase sourcing of food from local producers.

In a statement, Mr Stevenson said: “Ulster Unionists believe in a quality future for Northern Ireland’s rural communities – quality jobs; quality environment; and quality products.

“Agricultural policy must coherently address the economic, social and environmental needs of rural communities. That’s why I would press for the introduction of a public procurement strategy empowering government departments and agencies to source a high proportion of food from local, Northern Ireland producers.

“As part of this we will also be pressing for the introduction of clearer food labelling – produce should be grown, born, reared, slaughtered and processed locally to qualify for bearing the Northern Ireland label. The homegrown label will be a mark of outstanding quality

“For example, the clear labelling on beef of its country of origin is essential to give local beef farmers a helping hand and to bring them back into a successful export market.

“We want to see a fair relationship between producers, processors and the supermarkets – addressing unfair and restrictive practices and helping to secure a sustainable future for Northern Ireland farm businesses.

“If consumers can see the source of the beef that they buy and know where the farmers whom they support come from, they may give more backing to local producers.”

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.”

The Ulster Unionist Party Candidates in East Londonderry have made clear their intentions to ensure that the Department of Regional Development takes urgent action on the worsening Sewage Works crisis in Limavady.

In a statement one of the candidates, Cllr. Edwin Stevenson stated,

“The current situation regarding Sewage treatment in Limavady is a disgrace. Here we have a Sewage Works system located close to a major town which is not fit for purpose.”

“We have motorists driving past on the main bypass, as well as the residents of Limavady town, particularly in Killane Road, and fishermen attempting to enjoy their favourite past-time on the River Roe, being subjected to a foul and intolerable stink.”

“The current treatment works was put into operation in the 1960s when Limavady had a population of 3,000; now in 2007, when we have a population of 13,000, the entire facility requires urgent improvement and upgrading.”

“In October 2006, along with my Ulster Unionist colleagues, I held meetings with the Water Service, where they assured us that work would start on improvement the Sewage Works in early 2007; however, I have yet to see any sign of this.”

Cllr Stevenson concluded,

“This deplorable situation cannot continue any longer. I, along with my colleagues, look forward to March 26 2007, when we can go into Stormont and get this whole debacle resolved with a local, accountable Minister.”