Local politicians have been left in no doubt that decisions they make in the coming weeks around a climate change target will effectively decide the future for the livestock sector in NI.

“It is the biggest decision they will ever take relating to the economy in NI, not just this industry.

“They have the future of farmers in their hands,” Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) deputy president David Brown told farmers in Ballynahinch on Monday night.

Target

During the first of six UFU roadshow events, Brown reminded members that the proposed 2045 target for net zero carbon emissions in the private member’s climate bill taken forward by NI Green party leader Clare Bailey would lead to a “wipeout” of the NI livestock sector.

Initially supported by all political parties outside of the DUP, that draft bill is now well advanced in the Stormont legislative process, and due to come back to the assembly floor for debate at the end of January.

A separate climate bill brought forward by DAERA Minister Edwin Poots on behalf of the Stormont Executive, has a 2050 target for NI to reduce emissions by at least 82% compared to 1990 levels.

It is very tight. It leaves us in difficult territory

While that target will be very challenging for agriculture, it is based on the best scientific advice. It is likely to be towards the end of February before it comes back to the Assembly chamber for further consideration.

With Stormont due to dissolve by the end of March ahead of May elections, there is limited time to get it made into law. “It is very tight. It leaves us in difficult territory,” said Brown.

The UFU along with counterparts in the NI Agricultural Producers’ Association (NIAPA) have been hosting MLAs on farm in recent weeks to explain the concerns around the Clare Bailey bill.

We may be asking you to write or put in a query to your MLAs

The farming organisations are confident that the Ulster Unionists now support the emissions target as set out in the Executive bill, and optimistic that various SDLP MLAs are also onside. However, both Sinn Féin and Alliance MLAs on the Stormont Agriculture committee have, to date, offered unwavering support to the Clare Bailey bill.

“We may be asking you to write or put in a query to your MLAs. We may need a mass event at Stormont. This is such an important issue I may need to call on your support,” UFU president Victor Chestnutt told members.

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