Nitrates directive interim payment secured

South Down UUP MLA John McCallister has welcomed the news that the Department of Agriculture is going to commence advance part payments for farmers involved in the Farm Management Nutrient Scheme, something the UUP has openly and steadily been campaigning for.

It was the UUP who raised the possibility of this payment being made, and speaking on the issue from Stormont Mr McCallister said: "I am delighted by this news, as it follows a lot of hard work from the UUP and my Party Colleague George Savage, MLA for Upper Bann, at committee level."

He said: "At present, under the current system, farmers are striving to comply with the Nitrates Directive. However, in doing so they find themselves considerably out of pocket for an extensive length of time as much of this work requires a significant financial down payment."

"As a farmer myself, I am glad that the Minister and her Department have given serious consideration to this matter and decided to meet the farmer half way. I believe this to be a fair and positive way forward that will hopefully alleviate the financial hardship experienced by those in the industry, while giving the Department a chance to prove their farmer-friendly credentials."