Farmers Shouldn't Become a Political Football in Westminster

Speaking following a debate in Westminster on the lack of support for farmers Mr Swann said:

"It was disappointing to witness the party-political point scoring that took place between the Government and Opposition as to who had failed farmers the most, and not the steps that they intend to take to attract new entrants and make farming sustainable."

"That is why I challenged the Secretary of State for Environment in my disappointment on his fleeting mention of the mental health pressures farmers and their families currently face, from unstable market prices, fluctuating input costs, threat of disease and unnecessary bureaucracy."

"A recent study has shown that 95% of farmers under 40 have said that mental health is their biggest concern. It is not only about losing the family farm, it is working about where their next payment will come from and how they will pay their next bill."

"Following the Back British Farming event held recently in Westminster, I am sure any farmer listening to the debate would feel that the asks that the various farmers unions made that day had fallen on deaf ears."

"If the Government's at Westminster and Stormont are serious about food security and the environment then they need to realise, farmers and their families are not just part of the solution but also their partners as well."