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The General Board of the Presbyterian Church has assured members of the farming community of their pastoral concern and support at this very difficult time for the industry.
The Board has also asked the Government to offer what it call 'realistic' help to pig farmers in particular and has urged the large multiples and the public to support local farmers by choosing to purchase Northern Ireland produce.
Rev Ivan Patterson is the convener of the Rural Issues Committee that drew the Board's attention to the issue, highlighting a two year loss making situation with pig farmers currently losing at least £15 on every pig produced and the industry thought to be in debt to the value of around £45m. 'It seems likely that unless something is done to assist the industry and quickly there will no longer be a pig industry in Northern Ireland. Up to 4000 jobs could be lost.'
The full text of the resolutions agreed by The General Board is:
The General Board assure members of the farming community and associated industries that they are aware of the difficulties and challenges which they currently face and assures them of their pastoral concern and support. The General Board ask Government to offer realistic help to pig farmers, in particular, in view of their disadvantaged position in comparison to others in Great Britain and Europe. The General Board urge the public and the large multiplies to support the local farming community by choosing to purchase Northern Ireland produce.
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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