The Ulster Farmers' Union has commented on the strategy for TB announced this week by the Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew.

UFU President Graham Furey said; "Bovine TB is a major hardship in the farming industry and it has to be resolved. Farmers have long held the view that the problem will not be resolved unless the reservoir of TB in wildlife is also removed from the countryside. The wildlife issue and the urgency of the situation are central to how farmers will view the Ministers strategy. The Minister has talked this week about 'a new way forward' and that is certainly needed".

"We agree with the three strands of the strategy: real partnership between government and industry; controlling the spread of TB between cattle; and addressing the wildlife factor. However I am very concerned and disappointed at the lack of clear timescale and the lack of guaranteed resources to deliver on this strategy.

"The Minister said that the timing and implementation of the strategy as we move forward depends on 'how and when it is resourced'. For farmers with herds closed because of TB, this is not the 'decisive' announcement that they were hoping for. The UFU will continue to highlight the seriousness and urgency of this issue".