Northern Ireland’s farmers have spoken. The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) Executive Committee of over 150 members representing over 11,500 farming families has passed a unanimous vote of no confidence in the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

UFU President William Irvine said the vote reflects deep dissatisfaction with how the Department is handling critical issues.

The concerns are clear:

• A flawed Nutrients Action Programme consultation
• Delays and gaps in tackling bTB and ammonia controls
• Sheep sector support that is “not fit for purpose”
• Farmers bearing the weight of wider environmental and planning policies without proper support
• A reactive approach to Lough Neagh DAERA must be proactive, exploring solutions and trialling existing technologies to safeguard the ecosystem and farming livelihoods

From the Countryside Alliance Ireland (CAI) perspective, this isn’t just a headline, it’s a warning. Northern Ireland’s rural economy and food production backbone are at risk.

Why does this matter? Agriculture is the backbone of Northern Ireland’s rural life, food security and export economy.

Here are some key stats:

• Around 36% of Northern Ireland’s population lives in rural areas.
• The agri-food and food & drink processing sector is a major employer and economic force. For example, the food & drink processing sector was worth around £5.5 billion a year.
• Our agri-food industry supports well over 70,000 jobs

When DAERA fails to deliver effective policy, timely support or proper engagement, it undermines confidence, investment and the long term sustainability of farms. Farmers feel overlooked and let down. The CAI calls for urgent reform and a reset: government must work with farming, not against it.

Countryside Alliance Ireland’s call to action

The farming community cannot wait. Political parties and the government must:

1. Hold DAERA accountable: This vote of no confidence is a red flag. DAERA needs to publish a clear, resourced plan with realistic timelines.
2. Make agriculture central: Farming must be integral, not peripheral, to climate, nature, food security and export growth strategies.
3. Be proactive on Lough Neagh: Trial existing technologies, involve farmers and other stakeholders, and address nutrient and pollution issues to protect the ecosystem and farming livelihoods.
4. Engage rural voices: Policies must be developed with farmers, not imposed on them. Genuine engagement is essential.
5. Deliver results, not just promises: Support in rural communities follows tangible outcomes on agri food, rural infrastructure, farm business sustainability, connectivity and jobs.

Gary McCartney, Director of Countryside Alliance Northern Ireland, said:

As the recent UFU vote of no confidence makes clear, the farming community in Northern Ireland is at a crossroads. DAERA must urgently address these long-standing issues from bTB and ammonia controls to proactive action on Lough Neagh and work with farmers, not against them. Agriculture is not a niche sector; it underpins rural communities, food security, and the wider Northern Ireland economy. Political parties must demonstrate delivery, not just promises, if they want to retain the trust and support of rural voters. The message is simple: farming cannot be an afterthought. It’s time for action, not apathy.