THE Royal Ulster Agricultural Society has been commended for organising another hugely successful Balmoral Show.
West Tyrone Sinn Fein MLA Declan McAleer said: “The annual Balmoral Show is the highlight of the rural and farming year for thousands of people. It is a fantastic showcase of the talent and creativity of our rural communities and a platform for businesses, livestock showing and a multitude of stakeholders.
“I had the privilege of attending on two days last week and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to engage with the public. Everyone I met spoke of their relief at the return of the show and their hopes for many more big days at Balmoral.
“At the Sinn Féin stand I dealt with a steady stream of inquiries from individual farm issues to the state of rural roads.
“It was very clear from my engagements that farmers are deeply concerned about the implications of Brexit for future farm support and what the new agriculture policy will mean for their livelihoods.
“Many farmers also expressed concern about the possible implications of the Climate Change Bills for their businesses and given that we are currently scrutinising both Bills on the AERA committee, I found the engagements to an extremely beneficial consultation exercise.”
Mr McAleer concluded: “I want to thank and commend the RUAS on another excellent Balmoral Show. This was the antidote that everyone needed in the midst of the pandemic and the various uncertainties in the agrifood industry at this time”.
