The Ulster Farmers' Union is calling on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to take action to ease the burden of rising fuel costs on farm businesses.

Union President Graham Furey said soaring fuel costs were placing a major financial burden on farmers and rural dwellers. The UFU has called on the Government to reduce fuel duty to offset the rise in costs which farmers are facing.

Graham Furey said; "With the stroke of a pen the Government could reduce fuel costs for businesses and reduce the inflation pressure on consumers by reducing the tax take on fuel. Farmers costs are rising dramatically and this will be felt severely in the months ahead as outdoor farming activity gets underway in earnest with silage making and harvesting.

"The cost of fuel is now having a major impact on farm returns and the Government should respond to this by reducing the tax on fuel. Many key food commodities are in short supply and the Government has a duty to ensure UK agricultural production is maximised, not hindered by rising costs. Two thirds of fuel costs are tax and the Government must recognise that this taxation policy is having a damaging effect".