DARD must help frost hit farmers

Ulster Unionist Party MLA, John McCallister, has called on Minister Gildernew to provide aid for farmers who have seen their produce destroyed as a result of the bitter winter weather.

Speaking after visiting affected farmers with party colleagues Jim Nicholson MEP, Tom Elliott MLA and David McClarty MLA, Mr McCallister said:

"The horrendous weather that we experienced throughout a large part of December and into January not only had a terrible effect on our roads but also on the land. Among the worst affected are many potato and vegetable farmers who now find themselves with dramatically depleted amounts of produce. While all of them will struggle to make it through the year, some are in a dire situation where the reality clearly is that unless they receive help from Government officials they simply won't be able to continue with their livelihoods. It is that serious."

"The Minister for Agriculture in the Republic of Ireland recently announced that the Government there would be providing some financial assistance for their farmers who suffered significant losses due to the extreme weather. I am now calling upon Minister Gildernew to introduce a similar scheme here in Northern Ireland. This would provide farmers affected with the financial backing needed to give them the time to re-establish their livelihoods. It would also be viewed very favourably by the wider agricultural community who would be reassured that the Minister continues to watch out for their interests."

"It is a vital component of any efficient government that when an unexpected incident takes place which has a detrimental effect on a number of individuals, the state can respond accordingly. That is why it is important that Minister Gildernew now takes action to address the concerns of the farmers I have met with, and others in a similar situation, who have nowhere else to turn for help."

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