Fermanagh South Tyrone MLA Rosemary Barton is calling for all of those involved in agriculture to consider the impact of a range of future agricultural policy proposals and to have their say before it's too late – with the clock almost running out on a submissions date of tomorrow, Tuesday, February 15.

Mrs. Barton is the UUP spokesperson on the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs committee and encourages all interested parties to make their submissions known on a number of relevant policies that are being considered.

She said: "Within these proposals, there are a number of suggestions that need to be considered.

"There is a proposal that the minimum acreage size eligible for resilience payments will be increased from 3 hectares to 10 hectares, which will affect at least 4,500 farms. This will have major ramification for the sustainability of our rural businesses, schools and farms.

"In compliance with Climate Change and Headage Sustainability [responsibilities], there is [also] a proposal that the maximum length between calving is reduced from 400 days to 365 days over four years, which will be difficult for many to achieve.

"Another proposal includes reducing the maximum age of slaughter from 30 months to 24 months, to be eligible for the Beef Transition Scheme; again, that has implications for grass-based cattle.

"Given the significant changes that are included in these proposals, it is important that everyone involved in agriculture have their say [on these and other such proposals]," urged Mrs. Barton.