Michelle McIlveen
Strangford · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Public confidence depends not only on effective enforcement but on enforcement being exercised fairly and consistently. <BR /> <BR />There is widespread concern across Northern Ireland about the condition of many of our lakes and rivers, and there are a vast number of factors that contribute to water quality challenges.”
“Although we support the overall direction of travel, I think that is appropriate to reflect on the concerns that have been raised and ensure that the legislation is proportionate, practical and capable of delivering its intended outcomes.”
“If we are therefore serious about improving our aquatic environment, every source of pollution must be addressed. New legislative powers are meaningful only if the Department has the resources, the expertise and the personnel necessary to implement them effectively.”
“There is, however, a need for accompanying clear guidance and support and for regulatory consistency and prompt decision-making. Delays, uncertainty and excessive bureaucracy will undoubtedly discourage investment and undermine confidence in the sector.”
“Subordinate legislation should not become a substitute for proper democratic accountability. Consultation and engagement must be undertaken before regulations are introduced, and I cannot overstate the need for stakeholder engagement. <BR /> <BR />I will now talk about the Bill's proposed enforcement powers.”
“The DUP broadly welcomes the Bill. As has been said, it provides an opportunity to modernise legislation that, in some areas, has remained largely unchanged for decades. The Bill strengthens the protection of our fisheries, improves the regulatory framework for aquaculture and enhances the management of our water environment.”
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“It was about serving with excellence and dedication to his fellow soldiers and his country. <BR /> <BR />The Victoria Cross represents the highest military honour for acts of extraordinary bravery. I have no doubt that Blair Mayne exemplified those qualities. His contributions to the war effort and his extraordinary bravery, selflessness and devotion to duty deserve that highest and most prestigious recognition. It is time that the wrong is righted and that Blair Mayne is awarded the Victoria Cross, which he so richly deserved during his lifetime.”
“His actions were crucial in securing vital intelligence and weakening the enemy's hold on the region. <BR /> <BR />Blair Mayne's leadership and selflessness under fire have been described as the hallmark of the finest military leadership. However, despite multiple nominations, Blair Mayne was never awarded the Victoria Cross, a medal that he so richly deserved. Even King George VI remarked that it "so strangely eluded him". He did not seek recognition; his focus was always on the mission and the welfare of his comrades. His bravery and valour, though celebrated by those who served alongside him, was never about personal glory.”
“Blair Mayne served with distinction in the SAS during the Second World War, a career of exceptional valour with an unwavering commitment to his comrades and an unshakable sense of duty to his country. He was known for his daring leadership, his incredible bravery in the face of overwhelming odds and his remarkable ability to inspire others. During the battle of north Africa, on many occasions, he led small units on audacious raids behind enemy lines, targeting key positions and disrupting enemy supply chains. He showed exceptional leadership during those operations, with tactical brilliance and an unmatched fearlessness. Then there was the raid on the Italian-held port of Tobruk in 1941. Despite being outnumbered and facing heavy resistance, he led his men with incredible determination.”
“On the evening of 13 December 1955, one of the most decorated soldiers of the Second World War, Newtownards native Blair Mayne, tragically died in a car accident at the age of 40. He was an extraordinary individual whose courage, heroism and determination under fire exemplified the very ideals that the Victoria Cross represents. <BR /> <BR />Blair Mayne was born in Newtownards on 11 January 1911. The sixth of seven children, he excelled at sports such as boxing and golf and particularly rugby, representing Ireland and playing in the British Lions tour of South Africa in 1938. He attended Regent House School and read law at Queen's University, and he then trained as a solicitor and eventually became secretary of the Law Society of Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />It is perhaps for his exploits as a soldier that he is best known.”
“I appreciate the Minister's response. I assume that the plan B option is being explored, given that, ultimately, the burden from the change will add to pressures on ratepayers. I am curious to see what other plans and options the Minister is exploring.”
“In his response, perhaps the Minister could provide details of the next steps, including a timeline. <BR /> <BR />On the principles of the Bill, as outlined today, we are content to support the Bill at Second Stage. We look forward to scrutinising it and to hearing from stakeholders at Committee Stage.”
“<BR /> <BR />The future of Northern Ireland's fruit and vegetables sector, including mushroom production, depends on a fair, flexible and secure funding model. The Minister needs to take the opportunity presented by the Bill to demonstrate a clear vision for the sector's growth, provide certainty for growers and enable them to plan for the future. Mushroom growers, along with other horticultural producers, deserve a sustainable framework that will support their vital contribution to food security, environmental sustainability and economic growth. The Minister needs to provide clarity on proposals for the development of the sector alongside the progression of the Bill, which will, hopefully, help to dispel fears within the sector. Will the Minister consult further with stakeholders in the near future on further proposals for the sector?”
“<BR /> <BR />Whilst the proposed Bill provides greater flexibility, it is crucial that the Department outlines a clear pathway for the sector's development. As the Chair highlighted, the move from a 4·1% flat funding model to discretionary support raises significant concerns about the potential shift towards a competitive grant system, which could create uncertainty and insecurity for growers. Growers require clarity on future funding arrangements to enable them to plan effectively and make the necessary investments in their businesses. As the current producer organisation scheme is set to end in 2025, there is a pressing need for a statement of intent from the Minister on how future support will be structured.”
“Mushroom growers have expressed concerns about an uneven playing field between Northern Ireland and other jurisdictions, particularly regarding issues such as access to seasonal workers and financial support for innovations such as automation and energy efficiency. Those concerns highlight the need for a funding model that not only provides fairness but ensures that the industry can compete on an equal footing. Simply maintaining statutory obligations that are not finely tuned to local sectoral needs will not effectively address those challenges. A more adaptable and responsive model is needed, one that understands the specific dynamics of the mushroom industry and supports its unique challenges.”
“As we consider future models of support, we must ensure that the core principles of the current system — supporting sustainable farming practices and climate change mitigation — are preserved. As other Members have said, the mushroom industry, which accounts for 40% of Northern Ireland's horticultural output and contributes approximately £64 million annually to the local economy, is a key pillar of the sector, with 700 people employed directly in mushroom production and over 300 in the supply chain. The sector's continued success is vital for economic growth and food security in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />As we have discussed in Committee and in the Chamber, access to labour is vital for that sector, with 95% of those employed in it coming from outside the United Kingdom.”
“The transition to a discretionary model, as proposed in the Bill, offers an opportunity for innovation and tailored support to address the specific needs of the fruit and vegetables sector. It is essential, however, that the new model is not seen purely as a means to cut costs or reduce funding for critical sectors. The support provided must be viewed as a means to enhance long-term support for affected sectors, allowing them to invest in the industry and foster growth, competitiveness and sustainability. <BR /> <BR />The farm business improvement scheme has played a crucial role in reducing barriers to market entry, helping farmers and producers to meet required standards and access vital environmental and climate change support.”
“Like other Members, I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Agriculture Bill. Setting aside my concerns about the imprecision of the Bill's title, which, hopefully, will be revisited as it is misleading, the DUP supports the intention behind the Bill, which aims to ensure that a locally accountable Minister can bring forward proposals for and changes to the funding of the fruit and vegetables and mushroom sectors in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />As the UK moves forward post Brexit, it is vital that the support mechanisms for those sectors are carefully restructured to ensure continued growth and competitiveness. However, while we acknowledge the need for flexibility, we emphasise that that must not come at the cost of financial stability or long-term sectoral growth.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am also disappointed to note that a request by the Northern Ireland Fishermen’s Federation to meet the Minister again about access to labour issues was turned down. Instead, the meeting was delegated to officials. Given the range of challenges that the industry faces, will the Minister commit to accompanying me to meet Northern Ireland Fishermen’s Federation representatives to discuss concerns about the viability of the fishing industry as they requested? Without an urgent intervention, there will be no industry left to support.”
“The Minister will be aware of the questions for written answer that I submitted and of the Member's statement that I made in the Chamber on 23 April. Access to historical fishing grounds was cut off by the Manx Government on 1 April this year under the auspices of protecting blue-carbon habitats, but, really, it was a protectionist measure to grow their own fishing industry. Despite that, the UK gifts the Manx Government fishing quotas. The reward for that generosity is having our traditional fishing grounds snatched away from us. At that time, I asked for some means of compensation to be offered to our fishermen for that loss and to support diversification, perhaps in the form of an additional herring quota. I still want to see that happen, and I hope that the Minister is advocating for it.”
“While a skilled crewman can tail one stone of tails per hour, the machines are designed to tail 15 stones of tails per hour. That could be revolutionary for the industry. It would allow fishermen to catch their quota in fewer trips, resulting in less fuel being burned. The machines would also improve crew welfare. Such machines, however, are not cheap, costing in the region of £180,000 each, but, given the worker issue, they could be a potential lifeline. The industry is keen to explore whether the Minister would agree to the purchase of the machines being supported by the Maritime and Fisheries Fund (MFF) and green growth strategy funding. <BR /> <BR />The other key issue is the closure of the Isle of Man fishing grounds.”
“He has nothing coming in, but his outlays are still there. <BR /> <BR />Analysis by Seafish, a DEFRA non-departmental public body (NDPB), shows that, if the crew issue is not resolved, Northern Ireland prawn trawlers can expect to make operating losses of between £41,500 and £83,500 per vessel. Those figures are probably conservative. I am pleased that, following my request, the matter is being seen as an Executive issue, with the Agriculture Minister, the Economy Minister and the First Minister and deputy First Minister now involved. It is vital that the issue be addressed. <BR /> <BR />Members may already be aware that, this month, Northern Ireland fishermen are conducting sea trials of automated stunning and de-heading machines.”
“<BR /> <BR />During the debate in February, I pointed out that the catching sector is already struggling to address labour shortages, particularly among UK residents, and that the processing sector is also facing difficulties. As a result, the seafood sector is massively reliant on non-UK labour in the catching and processing sectors, with 82% of the nephrops fleet relying on non-UK labour compared with 70% of the static-gear fleet and 52% of the demersal beam trawl fleet. <BR /> <BR />I am in frequent contact with fishing industry representatives. One fisherman told me recently that he had not fished since Christmas because he could not find a crew. He is selling his vessel. Another fisherman had not been out to sea in over six weeks, yet, despite not being able to sail, he was still paying the crew.”
“The Department has an important role to play in ensuring that the local fishing industry is in a position to take advantage of new fishing opportunities and to contribute to green growth. That includes investment in modernising its vessels and gear. <BR /> <BR />Fishermen who operate out of all of Northern Ireland's ports face a real and existential threat, however, and that is access to skilled labour. As other Members have said — I do not wish to rehearse the detail — that problem has the industry on its knees. The Minister will know that I have raised the issue in debates and through questions to him, to the Minister for the Economy and to the First Minister and the deputy First Minister. To be frank, as other Members in the Chamber have said, if no action is taken in that regard, there will not be a fishing fleet.”
“The pressures that the fishing industry in Ardglass is facing are exactly the same as those that the industry in Portavogie faces. I welcome the skippers from Portavogie, Ardglass and Kilkeel to the Public Gallery this afternoon. Given the importance of Portavogie harbour to my constituency, I ensured that the issue was one of the first to be debated in the House on the Assembly's return. On 27 February, I proposed a motion on the issues that face the fishing industry in all three of Northern Ireland's commercial harbours. Like many sectors, the fishing industry faces rising input costs. There is a real need for practical and financial support. I have seen the devastating impact that a lack of support and increased bureaucracy has had on the Portavogie fleet and the consequences of that for the community involved.”
“On this occasion, we note that the changes being introduced in the Order choose to align the cap on allowances with the UK's net zero strategy goals rather than with the CCC's advice, which would have permitted more emissions in the traded sector. That, again, gives us food for thought. <BR /> <BR />Finally, and probably most importantly, we must ensure that what we ask of energy-intensive sectors is fair and deliverable and does not simply result in higher costs for the end consumer.”
“I thank the Member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone for her intervention, and I agree with her. I have had the pleasure of visiting the Encirc site to see the incredible work that the company does. Like so many companies in Northern Ireland, it is leading the way on the circular economy. <BR /> <BR />Although we appreciate that there is a role for ambitious and flexible emissions targets and that schemes such as the ETS are driving forward progress, the DUP also wants to see a fairer, not faster, approach to achieving net zero. In this place during the previous mandate, climate legislation was rushed and poorly drafted, and it conflicted with independent scientific advice from the Climate Change Committee (CCC).”
“The intention of the UK emissions trading scheme is to incentivise the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions while recognising the importance of maintaining competitiveness in our economy. The draft Order flows from amendments being made to the scheme across the UK and, perhaps most significantly, reduces the base cap of allowances and the number of free allowances that can be issued to participants in the period up to 2030. <BR /> <BR />As a party, the DUP supports the United Kingdom's long-term net zero ambitions, and we will advocate for policies and initiatives that are environmentally responsible and support decarbonisation.”
“<BR /> <BR />LGNI operates with a team of just four part-time staff, but it is in a funding crisis. It receives a small amount of infrastructure funding from the Public Health Agency, but that does not sustain its daily operations. Reliance on project funds means that LGNI's future is insecure. It is at risk of closure. I want to make Members aware of LGNI and its need for core funding to protect its infrastructure and the requirement of a cross-departmental approach. As it is a global leader in the intergenerational field, the potential closure of LGNI risks the loss of expertise, the strong infrastructure that it has built and the support that it has garnered. Its Scottish partner, Generations Working Together, benefits from government funding, and we look to that example as a model of best practice.”
“Those plans recognise and include intergenerational activity, with LGNI providing data to demonstrate impact and the achievement of multiple outcomes. The new Programme for Government requires intergenerational working to ensure that Northern Ireland is a place that supports today's generations and future generations, cutting across numerous Departments, such as Communities, Health, TEO and Justice. Truly age-friendly communities are healthier communities and places where all ages are connected, respected, valued and engaged together. LGNI uses the opportunity that intergenerational practice presents to support quality and sustainable practice and connections between generations that promote improved mental health and well-being, social inclusion, educational outcomes for children and young people, community safety and skill sharing.”
“LGNI coordinates a Northern Ireland-wide intergenerational network with nearly 1,000 members; provides a range of training, advice and support; develops intergenerational projects; disseminates resources; runs small grants programmes; acts as a strategic voice for intergenerational practice; and is the Northern Ireland lead for the annual Global Intergenerational Week campaign. <BR /> <BR />Intergenerational approaches are a key component of the Public Health Agency's age-friendly strategy to encourage communities to be places that are good for people to grow up and to grow old. LGNI works with 11 age-friendly council officers, who coordinate local action plans supported by community and statutory partners.”
“We all love to see the pictures on social media of the older folk in our communities visiting schools and sharing tech experience or gardening tips with the younger generation. There are mutual social benefits from that work, but it does not happen without facilitation. Since 2009, Linking Generations Northern Ireland (LGNI) is the only catalyst organisation leading the way in developing quality and sustainable intergenerational practice across Northern Ireland. Its work takes a capacity-building approach and connects, inspires and supports practitioners in organisations and settings to develop an intergenerational approach that benefits local people and achieves multiple outcomes.”
“When will he give clarification to the industry on the future of MV testing?”
“Is the Minister aware of the number of occasions on which I have raised the issue of the Department's stopping testing for maedi-visna (MV) from January 2026? Although he has stated that a decision has not yet been made, the sheep industry is quite clear from discussions that it has had with officials that that is the case and that 2025 will be a year of transition. I appeal to the Minister not to stop the testing.”
“<BR /> <BR />Finally, it is important that the Minister engage productively with the sheep industry task force to address the challenges being faced by the sector as a whole and to move the sector on to a more profitable and sustainable footing.”
“Since the most recent reform of the common agricultural policy, the switch to a land-based payment has seen more funding under the basic payment scheme move from the lowlands to disadvantaged area and severely disadvantaged area land types. It is a scheme that the now First Minister introduced against official advice. She acted to extend those payments, but that could be done only temporarily, because the business case did not support a permanent change. <BR /> <BR />Agriculture support measures should not be in the business of taking money from farmers whose incomes are going down to supplement farmers whose incomes are going up. Rather than further regressive area-based payments, we want to see programmes that focus on efficiency and resilience in order to support productive, profitable and sustainable farms.”
“Those policies will affect all sheep farmers, whether in upland or lowland areas. The sheep sector needs support and investment, regardless of the area, and it is unfair and unacceptable to single out some areas over others. That is particularly true where the practical outworkings of the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 will potentially lead to a reduction in land available for farming across Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Business income and profitability are broadly comparable for lowland and upland farms, yet farm businesses from disadvantaged and severely disadvantaged areas have received more financial support in recent years. For example, between 2018 and 2020, the environmental farming scheme (EFS) meant that only 705 out of 4,256 businesses were in receipt of support, and those were exclusively in lowland areas.”
“The Government are raising food prices so that the poor will get poorer, and they are hitting the working man in his pay packet via his shopping trolley. <BR /> <BR />Like with many parts of the agriculture sector, the sheep farming workforce needs younger people to join it. For that to happen, however, sheep farming needs to be profitable and attractive. It needs innovation, investment and fair taxation. I pointed out in last week's debate that the Government seem to have abandoned food security as a strategic national aim, and that needs to be addressed. <BR /> <BR />As I regularly point out, farm income has fallen by 47%, and that has been caused by rising input costs, such as inflation on energy, feed and workforce costs. On the horizon are the costs associated with the climate policies that the authors of the motion have endorsed.”
“Although the motion focuses on the steps that the AERA Minister can take to provide support to and protect the future of the sheep sector in Northern Ireland, there is a wider responsibility, which extends to the Westminster Government. We have already heard and debated the changes to agricultural property relief and employer's National Insurance contributions, which threaten the future sustainability of our farm businesses and undermine our food security. <BR /> <BR />I said just last week that the Labour Government are now the existential threat to farm businesses. Although they may seek to deal with the multimillionaires who are trying to avoid inheritance tax, they are also sweeping away family farms.”
“It is clear from what has been produced that there is a need to develop strategies that improve economic and environmental sustainability, but we recognise the need for there to be adequate centralised data. The data is lacking at farm level and at industry level, and that is something that needs to be addressed. Doing that will ensure that any future interventions are evidence-based, but it will also mean that such interventions can deliver maximum benefit. <BR /> <BR />I also ask the Minister to reconsider any plans that he may have to stop testing for maedi-visna (MV), given the implications that the disease could have for the industry.”
“Of significant concern is the poor quality of the fleeces compared with those produced by counterparts in GB. That quality could be improved by careful genetic selection. <BR /> <BR />A genetic improvement scheme would increase the value of lambs produced for slaughter by around an additional £1 million if even half of them were produced using high genetic value rams. We can already see the importance of departmental intervention. It is disappointing that the Department was not able to identify any steps that could be taken. The creation of the task force and its contribution are extremely welcome and timely.”
“The task force also found that almost 60% of ewes were to be found in severely disadvantaged areas, such as uplands, where farming is more challenging but where sheep numbers have been better maintained. <BR /> <BR />Only 55% of animals are slaughtered in Northern Ireland, and only 40% of production remains within the jurisdiction. That is a huge amount of work and production that could be retained in Northern Ireland. Some 6% of our wool deliveries contain damaged wool, whereas the figure for the UK as a whole is 4%. The wool is damaged as a result of it being delivered wet or containing contaminants. Suitable on-farm management could address that problem, but, again, that needs support, guidance and investment. Reducing the amount of damaged wool would improve farm output at minimal cost.”
“<BR /> <BR />The task force has five key asks of the Minister: a sheep genetic improvement scheme; a sheep health and welfare scheme; a sustainable land management and biodiversity scheme; bespoke sheep capital investment measures; and a sheep research programme. Those asks are based on a number of findings that are set out in the task force publication, 'A vision for the development of the Northern Ireland sheep industry'. That document outlines the fall in the Northern Ireland breeding sheep population, as the previous Member to speak highlighted, by about 30% over the past 20 years. Structural change over the past 10 years has led to much smaller flocks.”
“We fully endorse the recommendations of the Northern Ireland sheep industry task force earlier this year. In particular, we believe that proper consideration needs to be given to developing new programmes that pursue genetic improvement in sheep, increase capital investment and encourage effective land management. I appreciate that the Minister has indicated that he is exploring various levers in that regard, and I urge him to maintain regular engagement with the task force to that end. The Minister has the benefit of the task force, which has not only produced evidence-based recommendations but given a voice to the sector as a whole, which is something that was not available to previous Ministers.”
“In response to questions raised by a number of Members, Minister Muir stated:”
“That 17% will go to a £50 million fund for a protein scheme, a beef carbon reduction scheme and a cow suckler scheme. In order to regain that lost 17% of their basic payment scheme, sheep farmers will need to change their businesses to include cattle or protein crops. Sheep-specific support was not included in DAERA's future agricultural policy of 2022. That policy stated:”
“The services that support the activity include scanning and shearing contractors and those involved in veterinary services, feed production, property maintenance, haulage, auctions, markets, and slaughtering and meat processing. <BR /> <BR />In Northern Ireland, 38% of farmers have sheep. There are over 25,000 farm businesses in Northern Ireland, and sheep production is a significant contributor to over 9,800 of those businesses. As a result, a threat to the viability of sheep enterprise will have an effect on the sustainability of more than one third of farms in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />From a recent debate, we know, in general terms, about the reduction in the basic payment to farmers. Specifically, however, by 2025, sheep farmers will lose 17% of the basic payment scheme.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. While sheep farming contributes 4% of total agricultural output, it plays an important role in the Northern Ireland economy. In Northern Ireland, there are approximately two million sheep, which includes around 973,718 breeding ewes. According to the 2023 sheep census, around 38% of farmers in Northern Ireland have sheep, and the value of the sheep industry output was £106 million. Beyond that, sheep farming activity makes a significant contribution to the wider rural economy. It is estimated that the sector has one of the highest output multiplier effects in the Northern Ireland economy, turning £1 of primary output into £1.80 of output across the wider economy.”
“That "someone" was the now Prime Minister speaking to the National Farmers' Union (NFU). He is the new existential threat to farming that he warned about in that speech. If he were leading a listening Government, he would address those problems instead of compounding them. Agriculture is worth £6 billion to Northern Ireland, and it is our largest manufacturing sector. The consequences of the announcements will be rising food prices, food production that is threatened by the changes to APR, job losses and poor terms and conditions for employees. <BR /> <BR />The Minister heard the farmers last night. He heard their desperation. They need him to demonstrate his support to them, not by carefully scripted words but by his actions.”
“The Government should stimulate growth and investment in the farm sector, but instead, with that suite of announcements, they will drive people away. Just last year, someone said:”
“The review of agriculture funding that was led by Lord Bew following the UK's exit from the EU recommended the need to provide ring-fencing for farm support. However, no similar exercise was commissioned prior to the decision to remove it, and that seems rushed and foolhardy. <BR /> <BR />As I indicated, farms in Northern Ireland have relied on having somewhere between 60% and 80% of their income subsidised. Removing ring-fencing has jeopardised that. That places an onus on the AERA Minister to press for an early and firm commitment from the Minister of Finance that future farm support budgets will be ring-fenced for the forthcoming financial year and ring-fenced and increased at least in line with inflation in future financial years. <BR /> <BR />Northern Ireland produces enough food to feed 10 million people across the UK.”
“We welcome the launch of the UFU's campaign to oppose the impacts of the Budget on family farms and the agri sector as a whole. I attended last night's rally and was delighted to see a unity of purpose across the political spectrum and the industry. <BR /> <BR />The announcement that agriculture and fisheries funding will no longer be ring-fenced was slipped in almost as an afterthought. Instead, its funding will form part of the block grant. That means that our agri-food sector must compete with health and social care and education for funding. It has always been our position that direct agriculture support should be available outside the Barnett formula. Ring-fencing was a recognition that food security is a national strategic asset, but that principle seems to have been abandoned by the Labour Government.”
“No one is against people being paid a decent wage, but I highlight it as an additional financial pressure that has been placed on farmers in a Budget that already heaped pressures on them. <BR /> <BR />Bear in mind what else is being faced by local farmers: the ammonia regulations that choke development; being blamed for what we see in Lough Neagh; proposals to stop maedi-visna (MV) in sheep imports; failure to address bovine TB; the real-term reductions in the basic payment scheme over the past 10 years; the huge inflationary costs, including wages, that have accrued over recent years; the devastating impact of the winter storms on last year's potato crops; and the implications of what is in the Climate Change Act and the investment needed to address them. Is it any wonder that our farmers are responding to calls for action?”
“Meanwhile, farmers, like other employers, have seen their National Insurance contributions rise from 13·8% to 15%, along with the threshold for payment dropping from £9,100 to £5,000. That means that employers will pay more for each employee. Farm businesses in Northern Ireland pay and employ around 51,000 people. The tax on farmers will increase while their incomes have fallen dramatically. Worse, it will directly impact on the security of thousands of farm jobs and the pay and conditions for employees. It goes hand in hand with the increase in the national living wage, which will rise by 16·7%, from £11.44 per hour to £12.21 for those aged 21 and over. For those aged between 18 and 20 years, there will be a rise from £8·60 to £10 per hour. That is an inflation-busting rise in those salaries.”
“<BR /> <BR />How are farmers meant to pay the tax other than by selling their assets, when, over the past 10 years, 60% to 80% of farming incomes has come from subsidies? Recently, we debated the weakening of the basic farm payment, and this announcement will heap further pressure on the future of family farms. It will inevitably accelerate the breaking up of farms, driving more young people away from farming when we need to encourage them to stay. It will affect our food security going forward. As we outlined in the previous debate, farm incomes have reduced by 46%. <BR /> <BR />A £1 million cap sounds high to the layman, but few viable farms are worth under £1 million, and even those are not high-earning. A viable farm is not necessarily a wealthy farm. Farms in Northern Ireland are asset-rich but often cash-poor.”
“Yet, the Government tell farmers to transfer land seven years before their death as a way around the change. An animal crush or an incident with machinery could cost a family farm more than just a family member. As someone pointed out last night, no sooner will the hearse have left the lane than the tax man will knock on the door. <BR /> <BR />As the Minister has stated to the Chamber, a third of farms in Northern Ireland would be affected by the change. The impact is even more stark for the dairy sector: 77% of dairy farms could be impacted on. A farm need have only 27 hectares to reach the threshold; in fact, as agricultural land prices are higher in Northern Ireland than in other parts of the UK, the change in relief will hit us disproportionately harder.”