Question Time - Farm modernisation programme

Monday 15 March 2010

(Agriculture and Rural Development)

Phase 2 of the funding for farm moderniastion will soon be available, but the eligibility criteria are quite strict in certain instances.

Mr Burns: Will the Minister tell the House what engagement she has had with the Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) regarding phase 2 of the funding? Will she assure the union that she has taken on board its many concerns?

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Michelle Gildernew): I have met with farmers' unions and discussed my proposals with them. After last week's debate, I wrote to the UFU and asked it to re-engage in the process when the Department begins to develop its modernisation criteria. Unfortunately, it has advised me that it will not be able to do that.

I will continue to work with farmers' unions and other stakeholders. My key message in the Department has been about working in partnership. That is what I am doing.