Poots says re-tagging rule is ‘unnecessary’

The requirement for livestock to be re-tagged after they move from Britain to NI has been criticised by Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots.

“[It] is an unnecessary barrier to trade within the United Kingdom single market as a result of the NI Protocol,” the DUP politician said in a response to a written Assembly question.

Minister Poots said that the UK government has been asked to raise the issue with the European Commission. In particular, the Lagan Valley MLA wants discussions to focus on “a potential derogation for intra-UK movements”.

“I will continue to press for a satisfactory resolution to this matter,” he said in response to North Antrim MLA Jim Allister.

£715,000 hardship fund for Scottish pig farmers

Pig farmers affected by the temporary closure of an abattoir in Brechin have been awarded a £715,000 hardship fund. The financial support will help cover for deductions applied to the price paid for pigs processed through the abattoir from 8 February to the end of March 2021.

Challenges with exporting pigmeat after Brexit, along with increasing feed costs has meant many pig farmers are already making a loss per head. This situation was exacerbated when the pig abattoir in Brechin, run by Quality Pork Producers, closed for two weeks from 23 January due to an outbreak of COVID-19. This meant pigs had to go to England for processing.

New horticulture degree at Greenmount

A new honours degree in horticulture is to be offered at CAFRE Greenmount.

The degree will be validated by Ulster University and will be available from September 2021 for students who have completed the foundation degree at CAFRE.

Students can complete the new course full-time over one year, or as a part-time programme split over two years. See more information at www.cafre.ac.uk/.