Daera

UFU said Daera's changes to the Nutrients Action Programme could devastate farm businesses across Northern Ireland

Emergency meeting called as NI leaders say nutrient restrictions pose threat to food security

Daera's plans to reform the Nutrients Action Programme and improve water quality have been described by UFU as a 'backdoor attempt' to reduce flocks and herds with increased layers of regulation

Union says Government must take tough decisions if it is going to stand by its farmers

NI National Sheep Association said with the new SAP, sheep-only farmers are projected to ‘lose a substantial 17% of their Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) support’

UFU president William Irvine said the union is 'appalled' by the actions of some within the farming community

UFU president William Irvine said there was extremely limited focus on the most critical issue – the need for an effective eradication programme addressing all sources of infection

The National Sheep Association (NSA) said it held a ‘constructive’ meeting with Minister Andrew Muir and key officials from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)

"This was a shocking case of animal neglect and animal suffering."

Sean Fitzpatrick, of the Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers' Association, said: "How can anyone expect our sheep farmers to maintain this when their income, which needs to support not only a business but a home, is getting significantly cut?"