Byrne addresses Camowen farmers AGM

SDLP West Tyrone MLA, and vice chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, addressed Camowen Farmers Group at their AGM in the Milestone Centre, Carrickmore on Monday night.

Mr Byrne said: “It was encouraging to see a large number of farmers who are involved with the Camowen Farmers Group coming together for their AGM. This is a testament to Stephen Brown and Francis McAleer, who are officers of the group, and Mary Mc Cormack who also provides back-up support and service to the group.

“This type of group stays together because of the dedication and hard work of its committee and leadership.

“The presentation examined the background to Cap Reform, and questions and issues in every farmers mind at present including 2014 Single Farm Payment applications, one zone or/two zone regions for Northern Ireland, entitlements and young farmer entrants.

“Many questions are being posed by farmers that I meet and were quite rightly raised on Monday night. It is now important that DARD confirm unambiguously the position relating to these issues, as like any other business farmers need to plan and they can only do this effectively and efficiently if they have all the facts.”

Mr Byrne added: “Points were debated that need to be raised at the Agriculture Committee and to DARD directly. Decisions need to be made by DARD and the Minister well in advance of May 2nd to give farmers a chance to fill their SFP 2014 application forms.”