MEP Jim Nicholson said that DARD must continue to find the best solution for Northern Ireland farmers as it considers its implementation of the CAP reforms following the closure of its consultation period.

During a visit to Fermanagh on Friday, Mr. Nicholson, one of the longest serving MEPs, who is looking ahead to the European Parliament elections in May, said the industry needed to continue dialogue as there have been varying views on what is best for Northern Ireland. He said the decision must be for the long term.

On the subject of the active farmers, he said Europe took had decided who should get the support. He said no-one should back at the past aas they were new rules “The Department has flexibility on this issue,” he said.

He said he had said during negotiations that when you moved from an intensive system of farming to a more extensive system, there were going to be winners and losers During his visit, he met a number of farmers at Florencecourt on CAP reform and on the controversial issue of fracking.

Mr. Nicholson also looked at tourism opportunities for Fermanagh during his visit which also took in a visit to Ferney Park, Ballinamallard.