UUP swings vote on poor land subsidy for farms - but says scheme needs costed and 'linked to verifiable results'

​However, UUP support for legislation being brought forward by a Sinn Fein MLA is on the condition that “credible funding” is secured – and is in line with a “coherent, long-term agricultural policy”.

On Monday, MLAs backed a private member’s bill by Declan McAleer to reintroduce direct financial support to farmers working on challenging, severely disadvantaged land.

The DUP and Alliance opposed the legislation moving to the next stage – with DUP deputy leader Michelle McIlveen saying it was “unfunded, unfair and risks setting farmer against farmer.”

Sinn Fein has said the Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) Bill “aims to deliver fair and targeted support for farmers in severely disadvantaged upland areas by restoring financial support”.

The UUP chair of Stormont's agriculture committee Robbie Butler says that since Brexit, Northern Ireland farmers have lost access to long-standing EU schemes designed to support those working in disadvantaged areas.

He said his party welcomes the intent behind Mr McAleer’s bill, and backed its progression to committee stage. Mr Butler added: “However, our support depends on the executive providing clear answers on funding, targeting and strategic alignment before the bill moves further. Since Brexit, Northern Ireland farmers have lost access to long-standing EU schemes designed to support those working in disadvantaged areas, schemes that once delivered stability and predictability”

The UUP MLA said the bill is an opportunity to “correct that imbalance and strengthen food security” – but key issues need to be addressed, including confirmation from the executive about where the money is coming from, and requirements for “measurable outcomes”.

The DUP said the bill has no realistic plan to deliver – with no new money attached.