FARMERS in Fermanagh-south Tyrone are facing “a tough new era”, Ulster Unionist MLA Rosemary Barton has said.
During a discussion on EU funding, Mrs. Barton stressed how “we must never lose sight” that farming is “the most important industry and source of income” across much of the constituency.
“Whilst other areas of rural Northern Ireland can sometimes depend on the public sector, for instance, to support households and the local economy, in the south-west we are seeing a concerted withdrawal of those types of jobs,” she said.
The Fermanagh-south Tyrone MLA accused the Executive of “displaying a real lack of understanding of what farming on marginal lands really means in a practical sense.”
“No matter the type of farm or land, the vast majority of farmers are united in their anxiety about what post-2020 will bring.”
There are over 6,000 farm businesses in Fermanagh-south Tyrone, said Mrs. Barton.
“The vast majority of those are in receipt of support from the basic payment scheme. They are not only making a living off the land but tending and supporting it. 
“Therefore, it is essential that the UK Government recognise the continued importance of and need to be financially supporting our local farmers,” she said.
Responding, Agriculture Minister Michelle McIlveen said: “The Member for Fermanagh-south Tyrone Rosemary Barton talked about farmers living in marginal areas. I believe that a new scheme can be introduced that will allow for farmers to be rewarded for managing sensitive landscapes.”