The general consensus is that the latest crisis at Stormont could not have come at a worse time for agriculture in NI, with various initiatives and plans requiring funding and given that the agri-food industry here is probably more exposed to Brexit than any other sector.

With the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness resigning on Monday, and Sinn Féin confirming that it will not re-nominate to the post, an election in March looks inevitable.

Beyond that, there are significant questions over how long it might take to get a new executive up and running.

In the meantime, Agriculture Minister Michelle McIlveen remains in post to the date of the next election, but with a significantly reduced ability to make decisions. Any issue that is controversial or cuts across departments requires executive approval and therefore cannot now proceed.

Just what that means for some of the major issues on her desk at present, such as a new TB eradication policy or a land management strategy, remains to be seen.

“It saddens me that at a time when we need leadership, we have been plunged into crisis.’’

‘‘I will continue to work for the farming sector during my remaining time in office,” she told delegates at the arable conference at Greenmount on Monday.

Also at that event she referred to the new Environmental Farming Scheme due to open next month. However, the minister pointed out that it is still subject to Department of Finance approval (a Sinn Féin ministry). Given the breakdown in relations between the DUP and Sinn Féin that might be significant. On inquiry around a number of these issues, a DAERA spokesperson would only confirm that the decision-making powers of the minister are confined to departmental issues, and that the work of the department continues as before.

UFU reaction

Speaking at the Ulster Farmers’ Union roadshow event in Enniskillen on Monday night, UFU president Barclay Bell said that of all times, NI needs a strong government now with Brexit negotiations supposed to be beginning by the end of March. “We were happy with the administration in Stormont and happy with the [agriculture] minister, but now we are not sure when we will have an agriculture minister back again,” he said.

Bell added that he had “serious concerns” about the political fallout in the Executive over the disastrous Renewable Heat Incentive scheme. “It could knock us back badly,” he said.