A profitable future for farmers - Ford

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 7th Jul 2000

David Ford MLA, Alliance member of the Assembly's Agriculture and Rural Development Committee has welcomed the publication of the Committee's Report - Retailing in Northern Ireland - a fair deal for the farmers.

David Ford said:

"For far too long the farmers of Northern Ireland have suffered from debt. This Report makes recommendations that must be implemented to ensure the survival of the farming industry in Northern Ireland."

"The Report make it clear that in order to solve the problems of the past, action must be taken by the three main groups of people involved: the farmers; the retailers and suppliers; and the Department of Agriculture & Rural Development."

"I call on all involved to implement their parts in the proposed solution especially DARD, and the retailers."

"If all honour their commitments, then I am confident that the farming industry in Northern Ireland will have a profitable future in Northern Ireland."

ENDS.