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The union has waited until now to comment on the upcoming referendum of the UK’s membership of the EU. President Ian Marshall previously stated that commenting on a position would undermine negotiations on the UK’s membership.
In a statement today, the UFU said that, following a meeting of the union’s executive, from a farming perspective, there was no compelling case to leave.
“The CAP is vital for farm incomes and no alternative support measures have been put forward by Brexit advocates,” said Marshall.
CAP payments are worth £230m per year to NI farmers. Last year, total income from farming was less than total EU subsidies in NI.
Marshall added that the EU was the UK’s biggest export market and that assurances would be needed for trade under a Brexit scenario.
Marshall also said in a statement that the union would not be telling its members how to vote and that the union’s stance is a policy decision.
“We do not become involved in mainstream politics. Voting has always been a private issue and it is right that it remains that way,” he said.
Marshall acknowledged that issues around the CAP and bureaucracy are frustrating for farmers, but added that “our view for now is that it [NI farming] will fare better in the EU”.
He also called for an informed debate and for both sides to set out in detail their vision for agriculture outside of the EU and CAP.
SHARING OPTIONS: