Ulster Farmers’ Union passes unanimous vote of no confidence in DAERA

The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has passed a unanimous vote of no confidence in the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), citing a series of failings that have left farmers across Northern Ireland “deeply dissatisfied”.

The decision was taken at the UFU Executive Committee meeting on Wednesday evening, 29 October, following months of frustration over what the union described as DAERA’s failure to address key agricultural concerns.

UFU President William Irvine said the vote had been first suggested in early summer, following the release of what he called the “flawed Nutrients Action Programme consultation”.

He explained:

“The vote of no confidence was first suggested in early summer, following the release of the flawed Nutrients Action Programme consultation.

“We gave DAERA time to see if things would improve, but after mounting frustration over the last few months on a host of other issues, this vote of no confidence was unanimously agreed last night at our Executive meeting.

“The result of no confidence in DAERA represents a deep dissatisfaction from UFU members on how the Department is handling key issues affecting farmers.”

Mr Irvine said the UFU had continued to engage with the Department “in good faith”, hoping cooperation would bring progress — but he claimed that optimism was not rewarded.

“The UFU had continued to engage with the Department in good faith, remaining patient and hopeful that co-operation would yield results, but felt this was not being reciprocated by DAERA.

“From wildlife intervention to tackle bTB, ammonia controls and planning in relation to the Nutrients Action Programme, sheep sector support and a generational renewal scheme under the sustainable farming programme, DAERA is failing to deliver for the farming industry.”

The UFU leader also pointed to wider concerns over how agriculture is being portrayed in environmental discussions.

“There is also the ongoing unjustified focus on agriculture regarding climate change and Lough Neagh. Plus the recent AFBI data breach and heightened concerns around data security.”

Mr Irvine said the farming community was ready to play its part in building a sustainable industry but insisted that the department must start working with, not against, farmers.

“We are prepared to play our part in creating an environmentally and economically sustainable agriculture industry, but DAERA needs to work with farmers to deliver what is needed, and regrettably this has not happened.

“Our members now have zero confidence in DAERA’s willingness or ability and this unanimous vote of no confidence is unfortunately a very stark reflection of DAERA’s failings and inadequacies.”

The UFU’s motion underscores growing tensions between Northern Ireland’s farming community and DAERA, particularly around policy direction, consultation processes, and perceived lack of engagement with agricultural representatives.