Thomas Lyons 
Former Stormont agriculture minister Edwin Poots is optimistic about the future of farming in Northern Ireland, but he acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead. Speaking at day two of Balmoral Show 2023, Poots highlighted the UK’s fast-growing population, which he sees as a tremendous opportunity for agriculture not only in Northern Ireland but across the British Isles. He noted that British consumers recognize the value of food produced locally and view Northern Ireland and the rest of Ireland in this context. Poots also confirmed that the climate change regulations agreed by Stormont in 2022 will directly impact the support arrangements for farmers in the north.
Poots believes that the current budgets for farm payments will remain in place until the end of the current Westminster Parliament. However, he raised concerns about what would happen after that. He emphasized that it would be up to the next British government to review the support arrangements available to local agriculture, and it would be up to farming organizations in Northern Ireland to make the best possible case for the industry as a whole. Poots acknowledged that the poultry and pig sectors have survived without direct farm support for many years, but he recognized that it would be much more difficult for the beef and sheep sectors to remain viable without such support.
Poots believes that the basic payment support mechanism must remain in place for farmers in Northern Ireland beyond 2024. He criticized the environmental payments available in England and Wales, calling them a disaster. He argued that taking this approach in Northern Ireland would not work and that farmers in Great Britain would soon realize that the current support system is not working. Given these circumstances, he believes that the only option will be to revert to a basic payment-type system.
Despite the considerable pressure on agri supply chains over the past year and a half, Poots remains positive about the prospects for farming in Northern Ireland. He acknowledged that farmers have had to adapt to changing circumstances, but he believes that the industry can thrive in the future. Poots sees the UK’s growing population as a significant opportunity for agriculture in Northern Ireland and across the British Isles. He believes that British consumers recognize the value of locally produced food and that Northern Ireland can play a vital role in meeting this demand.
In conclusion, Poots remains optimistic about the future of farming in Northern Ireland, but he acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead. He believes that the basic payment support mechanism must remain in place beyond 2024 and that farming organizations in Northern Ireland must make the best possible case for the industry as a whole. Poots sees the UK’s growing population as a tremendous opportunity for agriculture and believes that Northern Ireland can play a vital role in meeting the demand for locally produced food. Despite the pressure on agri supply chains, Poots remains positive about the prospects for farming in Northern Ireland and believes that the industry can thrive in the future.
