Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir has visited over 55 farms since taking up the role in February 2024, the Alliance MLA has said.
“Those visits provide me with an important opportunity to hear directly from farmers about the issues affecting them and ensure that they can inform the Department’s work,” he said.
The comments were made in response to a written question from West Tyrone MLA Tom Buchanan. The DUP politician asked Minister Muir how he will “restore confidence” with farmers.
Response
In response, Minister Muir directly mentioned the cull of 51 cattle on a farm near Fivemiletown in June, which has been a major source of criticism for DAERA.
“I recognise and share the concerns about the operation at Fivemiletown. That is why I commissioned an independent external review of the Department’s implementation of the court deprivation order,” he said.
Despite the Ulster Farmers' Union having called for his resignation, Minister Muir said he still has “regular meetings” with the group, as well as with the NI Agricultural Producers’ Association.
“I remain committed to listening to and engaging with farmers and their representatives and I look forward to having further constructive discussions with them,” he said.
