UUP urges boost for farm tourism
Mr Robert Carmichael, the East Londonderry Ulster Unionist Association Chairman, has said that the Stormont Executive must provide funding for the development of farm tourism throughout the constituency specifically, and Northern Ireland generally.
Mr Carmichael, speaking on behalf of the UUP association, said: “There is now a real drive to promote the tourist potential of Northern Ireland and East Londonderry in particular.
“Therefore, it is vitally important that our agricultural sector benefits from these developments, particularly now to prevent our Province from once again being under threat from the dreaded bird flu.
“Given the financial pressures which many farming families now unfortunately are faced with, many of those working in the agricultural sector may see tourism as a method of boosting their income and securing their long-term future in the farming industry.
“However, if farming tourism is to become a viable financial reality and not a convenient sound bite, then there is a vital need for the Stormont Executive - and especially the Farming Minister - to inject the additional revenue required to keep many farm holdings sustainable.
“Many agricultural families are seriously considering the need to diversify to keep their farms viable. Farm tourism is one such option given the rich agricultural heritage which East Londonderry can boast about.
“Our constituency already has a good provision of beaches to attract visitors and tourists.
“With the proper funding invested from Stormont, especially to implement health and safety measures, our farms could become visitor attractions which have the potential to become as popular as the beaches themselves in terms of a day out during the summer,” said Mr Carmichael.