News round-up from Northern Ireland

Six tractor run protests to be held

Six separate tractor runs are to be held across NI on Saturday 25 January as part of a UK-wide protest about changes to agricultural property relief (APR) for inheritance tax. The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) said an event in each county of NI will form part of a “day of action” across the UK, which will show “a solid display of unity and strength”.

Lobbying efforts and protests are to be stepped up ahead of the UK government’s spring statement in March 2025, when there could be an opportunity for changes to be made to inheritance tax plans.

“We must make it crystal clear to the Labour government that we are not backing down on this issue. These rallies are simply the next step, with more action to follow in the lead up to the spring statement,” William Irvine, president of the UFU, said.

Exact details of the six tractor runs in NI are to be released in early January, although the UFU is already encouraging members to make plans to get involved on the day.

“I urge our UFU members to participate in their local rally and be part of this collective effort,” Irvine said.

UFU to hold roadshow events in January

The presidential team at the UFU is to hold six meetings for members during January.

“At the roadshows we will discuss the key issues that are impacting farmers,” said UFU president William Irvine, “from inheritance tax changes, TB, planning issues, farmgate prices, production costs, future agriculture policy and tackling climate change.

“The meetings will be as open as possible so that members can ask questions and make their opinions known.

“Every farmer can make a positive contribution,” he added.

All six meetings begin at 8pm with one event scheduled for each county in NI. The dates and locations are: