RURAL REVIEW September 2008

As August shaped up to be the wettest on record, I had the surprise of my life when I came home from my holidays in the glorious sun! To find my neighbouring farmers and the rest of Northern Ireland surrounded by flooded fields and water logged crops with many animals already being housed was an unbelievable shock to say the least!

So while the nation's spotlight will recede along with the flood water, the difficulties experienced by the people affected will unfortunately continue and could even get worse. I, along with my UUP colleagues, including MEP Jim Nicholson visited several farms and houses affected by the flash flooding, and I have assured those in question that I will fight tooth and nail to ensure they receive compensation for their loss.

My Party colleagues and I are working at every level of Government to ensure that farmers will be quickly compensated. So, I would urge anyone affected to contact me detailing any damage or loss they have experienced. This will enable me to urgently call on the Executive to apply for the EU Solidarity Fund.

With the floods hopefully behind us, I just keep my fingers crossed that the Dairy Industry is not heading into a bleak winter this year as well.

The possibility of Northern Ireland milk processors rejecting option milk is back on the agenda, following further pressure on prices for dairy products. The downward trend seen at last month's milk auction is a reflection of current dairy markets.

As world markets are in a period of re-adjustment, Industry leaders predict some 'challenging' months ahead, with world demand for dairy products 'backing up', as people in emerging markets have been unable to cope with the rapid rise in prices.

In the past year Dairy farmers' costs of production have risen by about 5 pence per litre as feed, fertiliser and fuel bills have soared. Those rising costs must be offset, but instead the milk prices have fallen by another penny. Auction prices are now more than 9 pence per litre less than this time last year.

The dairy sector in Northern Ireland is now at a cross roads with many dairy farmers unable to continue with this monthly cycle of disappointing auction prices and rising bills. The revenue currently being generated will not sustain profitable dairy farming in the Province.

It is therefore essential that the Minister of Agriculture makes notes regarding these issues and comes up with a solution to 'aid' the farming sector. With the establishment of the devolved government it is now imperative that 'we' as a government become accountable and help the people on the ground, who are struggling in these 'tough times'.