STORMONT STALEMATE: Ireland is 'decades ahead' when it comes to TB and legislation around the disease
The UFU President says it's 'frustrating' to see the rest of the UK take steps to help farmers while we remain in limbo
Last updated 23rd Jan 2019
As we continue our week long special we are turning our attention to agriculture here.
Two years since Stormont collapsed, there are fears a lack of legislation around TB could hit farmers hard.
Northern Ireland has nearly 30,000 farmers producing the food needed to meet the demands of consumers.
But with no minister looking after the agricultural remit here, there are fears the region has fallen behind.
Now for an industry that turns over £4.5bn here every year, that can have a hugely detrimental impact.
UFU President Ivor Ferguson says Northern Ireland is surrounded by better examples on how to proactively target the disease.
He said: "For over 60 years TB has plagued the countryside. Any farmer who has had the misfortune of having TB in their herd can tell you, it is a dire experience. It can take months, sometimes years, to get rid of the disease. We want to see a comprehensive solution that delivers results and is cost effective.
"It’s the stress and all the emotional issue that goes with this - its really is a major issue for Northern Ireland farmers – and it’s not good enough that two years on we still are no further forward in dealing with TB."
In 2017, 21 per cent of TB breakdowns were attributed to badgers and approximately 1 in 5 badgers in Northern Ireland are infected with TB, however, this is likely to be an underestimate.
Mr Ferguson said, “TB will not be eradicated in Northern Ireland unless there is a combined approach that delivers meaningful action to tackle TB in wildlife alongside controls in cattle.”
The Republic of Ireland has made major strides in its work to eradicate TB and is decades ahead of Northern Ireland.
“ROI made some tough decisions and it has paid off. Their approach has been to tackle TB from all sides, with a comprehensive strategy. The result is that they have reduced levels of TB in cattle and are now moving on to the next stage of their eradication plan. We would like to see a similar approach taken in NI. Farmers want to see an all-encompassing plan that is evidence based, robust, and delivers results,” Mr Ferguson added.