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Horticulture being ‘Let Down’ by DARD Minister – DUP
- 13 November 2012
DUP MEP Diane Dodds has called on the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development to come forward urgently with a strategy to develop and support horticulture across Northern Ireland. Mrs Dodds has claimed that Michelle O'Neill has failed the horticulture sector in Northern Ireland through a 'lack of vision and the absence of a strategic approach'.
She continued: "Once again, this demonstrates the lack of direction that the minister has displayed throughout the majority of her portfolio, and which has been epitomised in the spending of rural development axis three funds and in tackling TB in Northern Ireland.
"Horticulture is a major contributor to the economy, with estimates suggesting an annual £71.7m farm gate output from production horticulture in addition to £80m per year in earnings from those within the Landscape and Amenity Service sectors. Pivotally, this is also a sector which has major growth potential given the level of imports into Northern Ireland, with an estimated 75% of trees and ornamentals currently imported into Northern Ireland.
"In light of the inherent potential underlying horticulture in Northern Ireland, the minister's decision not to make use of rural development funds to support, build confidence and encourage job creation in the sector is ever more questionable. By contrast, the Department of Agriculture in the Republic of Ireland made available capital grants for the development of the commercial horticulture sector at an aid rate of 40 to 50 percent. As a result, horticulture as a whole in the Irish Republic has rapidly expanded and grown over the last 10 -15 years, given a strategic approach and with the direction of a department willing to invest and create jobs. Subsequently, while Minister O'Neill has missed an opportunity in the past, it is now time to engage with the industry and construct a strategy which supports growth and exploits the potential there is within the market moving forward."
Newry & Armagh DUP Assemblyman and Stormont Agriculture Committee member William Irwin added:"This is a concern for me and when I look to the Republic of Ireland and see a very proactive and supporting approach by the government there and the dividends this has provided for the sector, you really have to question how successive Sinn Fein agriculture ministers have failed to realise or harness the potential of horticulture in Northern Ireland.
"There has been a very co-ordinated and deliberate effort by the Republic of Ireland to enhance horticulture there and ensure that it continues to thrive given the value it adds to the Republic's economy. It is clear that the time is well past for a total rethink on horticulture in Northern Ireland that would see support offered to the sector to enable it to develop and be able to respond to the current pressures."
Mr Irwin concluded: "The minister needs to familiarise herself with the realities of the horticulture industry here and given the very challenging weather conditions experienced throughout the season I know that many people are under mounting pressure. Therefore it is incumbent on Minister O'Neill to provide an immediate assurance to the sector that she has a strategy for horticulture and she acknowledges its importance to our economy."
Source: Farming Life - Horticulture being 'Let Down' by DARD Minister – DUP
