Savage unveils cost of flooding to Upper Bann farming community

The cost of the August floods to Upper Bann farmers has been unveiled by Ulster Unionist Assembly Member and member of the Assembly's Agriculture Committee, George Savage MLA. Speaking from Stormont on the issue, George said:

"Figures I received from the Minister of Agriculture outline that in Upper Bann, based on input costs, the estimated losses to local potato farmers were £97,000 and £66,000 to those who grow cereal."

"These are massive losses which put farmers in a detrimental position moving into the winter. Last week in the Assembly the Agriculture Minister gave the unofficial assurance that potato farmers would be given up to £6,000 in compensation, with nothing yet for the cereal farmers. This is nothing but an insult"

"In the Agriculture Committee yesterday, we raised these issues and the Department has been half-hearted at best in helping farmers who have struggled over the past few months."

"Again, I make the call, it's time for the Department of Agriculture to stand up and be counted and to help farmers in need. Words simply aren't enough, it's time for action, it's time for delivery"