Armstrong: A year lost, and still nothing for the big investments farmers need

Ulster Unionist Deputy Leader and Agriculture Spokesperson Diana Armstrong MLA has said farmers were left without capital investment support for a full year because of DAERA delays, and has called for clarity on when support for larger farm investments will be available.

Diana Armstrong said:

“In answer to my Assembly Question, the Minister has confirmed that in 2025 not one pound was allocated in letters of offer under any farm capital investment support scheme. The year before, the figure was just over £312,000 across the whole of Northern Ireland.

“That did not happen by accident. The Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme was meant to launch by the end of 2025. It did not open until July this year. A year was lost while farmers waited, and in that year the demands on them did not pause.

“I welcome the scheme now that it is here, and I know many farmers applied before the deadline. But let us be honest about what it does and does not cover. It is for equipment and technology from a pre-selected list, with a maximum grant of £25,000. It does not build a slurry store. It does not put up a shed.

“Those are precisely the investments farmers are being told they must make, particularly to meet nutrient requirements. MLAs were told there were plans for a separate scheme supporting larger farm investments. Farmers are still waiting to hear when that will open, what it will cover and how much will be available.

“The Ulster Farmers' Union put it well. A capital investment scheme is not a nice to have. It is essential if farmers are to deliver what government is asking of them.

“I will be asking the Minister how many applications were received in the first round, how much of the £40 million has been allocated, when the next round opens, and when farmers can expect support for the larger investments that will actually deliver the environmental improvements he talks about."