The £1bn deal announced between the DUP and the ruling Conservative party at Westminster includes money for health and education, as well as major infrastructure projects. The DUP will also support the Tories on votes related to Brexit.

But significant for farmers is the recognition within the three-page agreement of the importance of agriculture to the NI economy and a commitment to continue with the same cash total in funds for farm support until the end of the parliament.

That commitment is not new, having previously appeared in the Tory party election manifesto published in May 2017, but by repeating the pledge now, it should give more assurance that it will actually be delivered. The great unknowns remain whether the British government lasts to the end of the parliament in 2022 and, of course, whether the UK actually leaves the EU in 2019, or a later date.

“Further discussions will take place on the future framework for farming support,” according to the DUP-Tory agreement.

Broadband

Also relevant for farmers and rural dwellers is a commitment from the British government, within the financial support package agreed, to provide £75m per year for a two-year period to help with the roll-out of ultra-fast broadband across NI.

Given that many rural dwellers lag significantly behind counterparts in towns and cities with access to broadband, it is investment that is much needed.

Read more

DUP and Conservatives strike a deal

Gove appointed environment and food secretary for the UK