Red tape in NI farming criticised

Assembly members have passed a motion to review "the over-bureaucratic administration" in the agricultural industry in the North…

Assembly members have passed a motion to review "the over-bureaucratic administration" in the agricultural industry in the North.

Members from all parties supported a motion put forward by Ulster Unionist Tom Elliot. They called for the implementation of proposals set out in the Ulster Farmers' Union document, Five Steps to a Better Future.

Mr Elliot said red tape "plagues businesses and stifles change in Northern Ireland".

"The excess paperwork is driving many professionals to despair. It takes time and time is money. Farmers want to get on and do what they do best - farm," he said.

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Mr Elliot, who represents Fermanagh and South Tyrone, called for a single yearly farm inspection, rather than the six or seven assessments some farmers are forced to undergo.