The Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) is requesting that politicians take note of key policy challenges for farmers as the UK electorate prepares for a general election. The UFU has drawn up a manifesto as president Ivor Ferguson wants politicians to ‘back farming’.

Plans are needed to counter the threat of climate change and global concern

“The success of UK farming matters to the UK electorate, especially at this time of unprecedented change. Plans are needed to counter the threat of climate change and global concern over food and energy security,” he said.

He added that the union want the next government to have confidence in UK farming and they have a vision of a productive, profitable and progressive farming sector.

Key policy changes

The manifesto covers five key policy challenges:

  • Navigating Brexit for UK farming.
  • Developing a framework for a more competitive and sustainable farming sector.
  • Building a thriving countryside and rural communities.
  • Securing a long-term government food strategy.
  • Placing science at the heart of policymaking, which UK food and farming working alongside government, must address over the next parliament.
  • “Brexit is just one of the challenges facing farmers. There are a number of issues that farmers want to see addressed. A fairer supply chain, the UK food strategy, future funding and format of support for agriculture, the eradication of Bovine TB, broadband and rural crime are also covered in the manifesto.

    "These issues must also be addressed in the next parliament,” Ferguson said.

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