Call for changes to be made to food strategy board

A number of farm lobby organisations in NI have called on Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill and Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster to make changes to the Agri-Food Strategy Board.

Tony O’Neill, chair of the board, was originally appointed for a three-year term, beginning in February 2012, with other board members appointed in May 2012. Their three-year tenure as board members runs out in May 2015.

Earlier this year, Tony O’Neill called for the life of the board to be extended beyond 2015, given the 18-month period that elapsed between setting up the board and putting a plan in place.

However, according to representatives of the NI Agricultural Producers Association (NIAPA), the Severely Disadvantaged Area (SDA) Group, the National Beef Association (NBA) and Farmers for Action (FFA), change is required. They have called for primary producers from the severely disadvantaged area to be represented on the board. At present, farmers on the board are represented by former UFU president John Thompson and current president Ian Marshall.

The groups have also called for the appointment of a fully independent chairman. By that, they are effectively questioning the position of current chair, Tony O’Neill, who is closely linked with the processing sector through his former role with Moy Park and current employment with Dunbia.

UFU critical of ABP over charges

An increase in the killing charges levied on suppliers at ABP factories has drawn criticism from the Ulster Farmers’ Union who, following a meeting with the company, has described the move as “completely unjustified”.

According to the union, waste disposal charges at ABP have been increased by over 60%. It leaves total kill charges for prime cattle at ABP factories at just over £19 per head, which is generally £4 to £5 per head more than their local competitors. The increase in waste disposal charges is understood to apply both in NI and in Britain.

In a letter to suppliers, ABP explained that the increase was due to an increase in rendering costs linked to a de-valuation of animal by-products, such as tallow and bone meal, across Europe.

However, that explanation has not completely convinced the UFU. Its president Ian Marshall said that farmers strongly object to being asked to absorb additional costs and called on ABP to retract the charges. The UFU is expected to meet ABP again in the coming days.