Ulster Unionist Deputy Leader and Agriculture Spokesperson Diana Armstrong MLA has welcomed a commitment from Prime Minister Andy Burnham to reset the relationship between government and the farming community, following a meeting between the Prime Minister and an Ulster Unionist Party delegation during his visit to Northern Ireland.

Speaking afterwards, Diana Armstrong said:

“I welcome the Prime Minister's commitment to reset the relationship between government and farmers. That reset is badly needed. For too long our farming families have felt that decisions were taken about them rather than with them. Warm words now have to be followed by action."

“I made clear that Northern Ireland's agri-food sector is a strategic national asset. Our farmers and processors produce enough to feed the equivalent of ten million people and supply more than one in five of the eggs consumed in the United Kingdom. When a Prime Minister talks about food security, he is talking about Northern Ireland.

“This sector has real opportunity ahead of it, but it needs proper support and it needs to be future-proofed. Look at what mainland GB has experienced in recent summers and you see where Northern Ireland could be in five or ten years' time. We need the infrastructure in place now, starting with serious investment in reservoir capacity, rather than scrambling when the crisis arrives.

“Our party also raised energy security. Anaerobic digestion and biomethane are a genuine opportunity to turn agricultural output into home-grown energy while supporting farm incomes. Our farmers can be part of the answer on energy as well as on food.

“Northern Ireland's farmers deliver for this country every day. They are entitled to a government that delivers for them in return.”