Mark Allen, Author at Research Matters

An image of a farming landscape in Ireland

COVID-19 and farming – A bitter harvest?

5th May 202027th April 2022 Mark Allen Agri-food sector, Farming

Reading Time: 6 minutes 2020 was already set to be a challenging year for farmers across the UK. Having finally reached an agreed

Image depicting a farm with a dramatic sky

Agriculture Health & Social Care Rural Affairs

Farmers and mental health

15th May 201910th June 2019 Mark Allen Mental Health

Reading Time: 5 minutes In this Mental Health Awareness Week, which also coincides with this year’s Balmoral Show, this article examines an issue which

Sample form used by applicants for direct payments (DAERA)

Agriculture Brexit

What now for direct support to farmers in Northern Ireland post-Brexit?

22nd March 201712th November 2019 Mark Allen

Reading Time: 5 minutes A key issue within Northern Ireland since the UK’s decision to leave the EU in June 2016 is exactly how

Image by Jonathan Billinger and licensed for reuse under Creative Commons

Agriculture Brexit

How could the Brexit vote affect farming and food in Northern Ireland?

24th October 201612th November 2019 Mark Allen

Reading Time: 6 minutes The agri-food sector is a significant one for the economy and employment in Northern Ireland. For a number of reasons,

Ash dieback positive sites (November 2012 - December 2015; image: Forest Service)

Environment

A clear and present danger: Plant disease and invasive species

19th September 20166th July 2017 Mark Allen Plant health

Reading Time: 3 minutes The plant disease and invasive species threat posed to the environment in Northern Ireland is increasing, and likely to continue

Fishing boats in Ardglass harbour (Creative Commons; Image: Ardfern)

Fisheries

A single species fishing industry

15th August 20166th July 2017 Mark Allen

Reading Time: 3 minutes Despite not being particularly large in overall UK terms, the sea fishing industry in Northern Ireland makes a significant contribution

Average Farm Business Income (FBI) for selected sectors, 2010/11 to 2015/16 forecast

Agriculture

Are current farm incomes sustainable?

26th April 201623rd April 2020 Mark Allen Agri-food sector, Farming

Reading Time: 3 minutes Farm incomes over the last five years in Northern Ireland have shown considerable volatility and this presents challenges for the

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