COVID-19 and farming – A bitter harvest?
2020 was already set to be a challenging year for farmers across the UK. Having finally reached an agreed Withdrawal Agreement with the EU, the… Read More »COVID-19 and farming – A bitter harvest?
Mark.Allen
Farmers and mental health
In this Mental Health Awareness Week, which also coincides with this year’s Balmoral Show, this article examines an issue which has received comparatively little attention… Read More »Farmers and mental health
What now for direct support to farmers in Northern Ireland post-Brexit?
A key issue within Northern Ireland since the UK’s decision to leave the EU in June 2016 is exactly how this decision will affect local farming?
Read More »What now for direct support to farmers in Northern Ireland post-Brexit?
How could the Brexit vote affect farming and food in Northern Ireland?
The agri-food sector is a significant one for the economy and employment in Northern Ireland. For a number of reasons, the implications of the vote to leave the EU are difficult to gauge at this stage, but this article attempts to sketch out some of the potential impacts.
Read More »How could the Brexit vote affect farming and food in Northern Ireland?
A clear and present danger: Plant disease and invasive species
The plant disease and invasive species threat posed to the environment in Northern Ireland is increasing, and likely to continue to do so due to factors such as increasing world trade and the potential impacts of climate change. These factors also increase the potential risk of the threats that we face diversifying and affecting a wider range of plant species.
Read More »A clear and present danger: Plant disease and invasive species
A single species fishing industry
Despite not being particularly large in overall UK terms, the sea fishing industry in Northern Ireland makes a significant contribution to the economy of the three County Down ports of Ardglass, Kilkeel and Portavogie where the local fleet is mainly based. However, the local industry could face an uncertain future due to its heavy reliance on prawns.
Are current farm incomes sustainable?
Farm incomes over the last five years in Northern Ireland have shown considerable volatility and this presents challenges for the long- term sustainability of the industry, both within and beyond the new Assembly mandate.