The £1bn deal signed this week between the Conservatives and the DUP might not include any new money coming directly to farming, but what it does do is commit the British government to continue with the same cash total in funds for farm support to the end of the current parliament. In theory, that means until 2022, although whether the current British government lasts that long is one for debate.

In one regard the funding commitment is nothing new, having already appeared in the Tory party pre-election manifesto. But it is one thing having a policy spelled out in a manifesto, another thing entirely having it in official government papers.

“This commitment to guarantee farm support at current levels must now put the issue to bed. Constructing a future agriculture framework, which makes farming more profitable, sustainable and productive should now be the priority,” commented DUP MEP Diane Dodds after the announcement this week.