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Presbyterians in the North West of Ireland have issued an urgent call for joint government action over the current crisis in agriculture. In a strongly worded statement the Derry and Strabane Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland say; "The industry including the pig section, is in the worst crisis in living memory." Local ministers and members also called on both London and Dublin to co - operate with the new Assembly and the European Union to deal with the crisis. The full text of the statement reads:
The Presbytery of Derry and Strabane urges the governments of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland to take direct action to assist the agricultural industry.
The Presbytery represents the Presbyterian people of Londonderry City, part of County Londonderry, Innishowen (East Donegal) and North West Tyrone. The Presbytery straddles the border and is in a special position to address both governments.
The agricultural industry is in crisis because of a continual stream of difficulties facing it from BSE to the loss of a major pig processing plant and the strength of sterling. The industry including the pig section is in the worst crisis in living memory. The general economy in the rural areas is being affected and the rural population is under great pressure. Although the retail prices of farm produce have not fallen and in some cases have actually increased; the price paid to farmers has radically reduced. We wonder who is really benefiting?
Some farmers in our area are experiencing extreme hardship and may face bankruptcy.
The Presbytery realising that there are no easy answers to these problems would urge the governments to take whatever steps necessary in conjunction with the N. Ireland Assembly and the European Union to deal with the crisis. We urge speedy and constructive action to rescue our agricultural industry which is the backbone of this and so many other communities.
Issued on behalf of the Presbytery of Derry and Strabane by Martin McNeely, Presbyterian Information Services Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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