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?
Agriculture
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 new mandate, a new Environment
Local government underwent significant structural change in 2015 with the number of councils reducing from 26 to 11, and the transfer of many functions from central to local government. This has brought changes to the ways in which the environment is managed. In 2016, these changes have continued with a reorganisation of Executive functions.
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.