SCHOOL EDITION 22 MARCH 2023 - Flipbook - Page 15
NEWS
FARMWEEK
JANUARY 28 2021
15
Union and UAS discusss arable issues with Minister
T
HE Ulster Farmers’
Union has held a
virtual meeting with
the Ulster Arable Society
(UAS) and the Department
of Agriculture, Environment
and Rural Affairs to
discuss the challenges
and opportunities facing
Northern Ireland’s
arable sector. These
include climate change,
sustainability and plant
LEFT: UFU deputy president
William Irvine.
protection products,
amongst other things.
Chair of the UAS,
Bruce Steele, said: “The
UAS was delighted to
have the opportunity
to engage directly with
DAERA Minister Poots on
Wednesday, January 20, a
very worthwhile meeting
covering many of the issues
currently affecting the
arable and horticulture
sectors. We look forward
to continuing discussions
towards a positive and
optimistic future for
our industry.”
UFU deputy president
William Irvine thanked
the DAERA Minister for
his time and for taking all
suggestions on board.
“The meeting with UAS
and DAERA enabled us to
discuss matters that are
affecting arable farmers
across NI. We commend
the DAERA Minister for
his understanding of the
issues and, in particular,
his assurance that active
representations are being
made to his NI Executive
colleagues and HMRC on
the issue of land tenure and
the need for reform.
“It is vital that we address
both the challenges and
opportunities that our
arable farmers are currently
experiencing to ensure that
the sector can ourish in
this post-Brexit era. We look
forward to working together
to achieve this,” said Mr
Irvine.
RIGHT: Ulster Arable Society
chair Bruce Steele.
Poots concerned for horticultural
and agri sector over NI Protocol
M
INISTER of Agriculture,
Environment and Rural Affairs,
Edwin Poots, has again asked for
action on the issues facing the
horticulture sector as a result of
the Northern Ireland Protocol (NIP) agreed
between the UK and the EU.
The Minister had previously written to
Secretary of State George Eustice and Irish
Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM)
Minister Charlie McConalogue regarding
the movement of seeds, plants and plant
products into Northern Ireland from GB post
Transition Period under the NIP. The Minister
has now raised the issue during this week’s
Inter-Ministerial Group with ministers from
England, Scotland and Wales.
Speaking about the issue, Mr Poots said:
“As things stand, the implementation of
the NI Protocol continues to prevent the
marketing in NI of many plants, plant
products and vegetable seeds from
Great Britain (GB) that are of signicant
importance to the agriculture and
horticulture sectors. This includes the
movement of soil from third countries,
including where it is associated with plants.
“The importance of allowing trade to
continue is absolutely vital to the agriculture
and horticulture sector’s viability and
associated economic activity.
“This is an urgent issue and will have
signicant impacts on important NI and RoI
trade.
“That is why I have written to both the
UK Secretary of State George Eustice and
Irish Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM)
Minister Charlie McConalogue to raise these
concerns for immediate action.”
Speaking about the passage of the SR
‘The Plant Health and Diseases of Animals
(Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations
Grassland UK returns to Somerset
G
RASSLAND UK
– the triennial
event covering
every aspect of
grass production –
returns to Somerset
on May 6, boasting
a vast array of
working machinery
demonstrations and
practical seminars.
The event, which
encompasses
everything from seed
to feed, has relocated
to the main Bath &
West Showground,
offering easier access
and better facilities,
and helping visitors
to stay Covid secure.
“Being outdoors,
we are condent
that we will be
able to operate
within Government
guidelines, enabling
farmers to nally
attend a physical
event after over a
year of restrictions,”
says Alan Lyons,
Head of Shows at the
Royal Bath & West
Society.
Sponsored by
Oliver Seeds, the
event team has
overseeded 60
acres on which
equipment, including
mowers, tedders,
balers and forage
harvesters, will be
demonstrated. There
are also 15 trial plots,
showcasing the latest
grass varieties, and
a packed technical
seminar programme.
Visitors will be able
to choose the best
grass and legume
varieties for their
farm using the 2021
Recommended Grass
& Clover List, which
will be launched at
the event, while also
learning about the
benets of multispecies leys and
rotational grazing.
Other hot topics
are likely to include
soil health, carbon
sequestration, grass
in the arable rotation
and regenerative
farming techniques.
“Being located on
the main show site
means that the event
will be far easier to
navigate, with trial
plots in the centre
and trade stands
around the entire
circular route,” says
Mr Lyons. “This
will make it easier
for visitors and
exhibitors to socially
distance, and
permanent facilities
on-site, including
multiple toilet blocks
and a restaurant,
will make for a more
comfortable day all
round.”
Visitors will be able
to discuss the latest
technical and genetic
advancements
with a wide range
of exhibitors,
covering everything
from silage wrap
and inoculants to
precision technology
and livestock
handling facilities.
“Demand for trade
stands is really
strong, as businesses
are keen to get back
to physical events
after a year off,”
explains Mr Lyons.
“Whether you are
looking to upgrade
farm equipment,
learn about the
latest research and
developments, or
simply catch up with
farm suppliers faceto-face, it’s all here at
Grassland UK.”
n Tickets for the
event are now on
sale, with advance
tickets discounted to
£15 for students and
£17 for adults.
n For more
RIGHT: The Grassland
UK event takes place
in Somerset on May
6.
information or to
book tickets, visit
www.bathandwest.
com/grassland-uk
n Should the event
have to be cancelled
due to Covid-19
restrictions, full
refunds will be given.
(Northern Ireland)’ through the Assembly,
the Minister said: “I’d like to clarify the
purpose of the SR debated in the Assembly
on the 8 December 2020, as there seems to
be confusion among some members.
“The SR could not change the
consequences of the Northern Ireland
Protocol, as voted for by the Westminster
Government.
“The prohibition of the movement of soil
from third countries, including where it
is associated with plants, are mandatory
obligations imposed by the Protocol and the
SR could not have changed that.”