THE Mid Tyrone Group, Ulster Farmers' Union had as guest speaker at their November meeting Guild of Agricultural Journalists' chairman Richard Halleron who addressed members on the future prospects for farming in Northern Ireland
During his talk he reflected on how European support policy for agriculture had changed dramatically over the past two decades.
" The mid term review of the CAP cut the link entirely between food output and farm support levels, " he explained. " And as we look to the future farmers and landowners will be increasingly seen as custodians of the countryside and paid accordingly".
Richard added : " Farm Commissioner Marian Boel is now talking about a health check for the current support arrangements in two or three years' time. And while there seems little appetite to fundamentally change the structure of the of the current policies the key issue to be resolved will be that of funding and the amount of money Europe is prepared to make available by way of ongoing rural support".
The Guild chairman went on to predict that the European Commission would agree to changes in the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme (FNMS) which will allow DARD to put the completion of works date back to December 31, 2008
"This decision will then allow the Department of Agriculture to look for ways to fund all the applications received for the scheme at the agreed 60% grant rate level," added Farming Life's chief writer.
With regard to prospects for the various commodities Richard stressed the need for the dairy processing sector to receive the modernisation/rationalisation funding already requested from government.
"The new money is crucial if the industry is to survive in a market led environment where adding value represents the only road to survival", he stressed.
With regard to beef prospects, the journalist indicated that market trends looked positive.
"Falling production levels in Europe in tandem with animal health problems in South America should serve to strengthen the beef market over the coming twelve months. However, it remains impossible to predict if prices for clean cattle will reach the 240 pence plus level required by producers to invest for the future," he commented.
After answering questions from members the chairman Reggie Alcorn conveyed a vote of thanks to Mr Halleron for his enlightening address, ably proposed by Robert Fyffe and seconded by Ray Elkin.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 12, when the speaker will be William Crawford, a young dairy farmer from Beragh and winner of the 2005 NI Nuffield Scholarship who will talk on " The Potential Threats and Opportunities for Milk Production in Western Europe" and reflect on his trips to study milk production in China and South America.
Members are reminded the closing date of the group silage competition is next Wednesday, December 13.
