Andrew Muir presses UK Government for VAT relief on fuel for farmers

The Agriculture Minister has said he is continuing to pressure the UK Government to “review the rate of excise duty and VAT on fuel” to benefit farmers.

Speaking on the eve of the Balmoral Show, Andrew Muir told the Farmers’ Club annual dinner at Queen’s University Belfast that Northern Ireland’s flagship agri-food showpiece was a celebration of “the success of our farmers and the food they produce”.

“Farming is a vein that runs through our culture and society. It’s a core part of the rural way of life,” Mr Muir said.

“Whether it is beef and dairy, poultry, pigs, crop, horticulture, potatoes or arable, Northern Ireland farmers consistently deliver produce that competes with the best, anywhere in the world. This is a testament to the calibre of the people working in this industry.”

Farmers in Northern Ireland have been impacted by rising prices of energy, fuel and fertiliser as a result of the US and Israel’s war with Iran.

The minister said he is “calling on the UK Government to review the rate of excise duty and VAT on fuel, and consider support for those most in need, particularly farmers, hauliers and the rural community”.

Mr Muir added that Northern Ireland’s “unique dual market access” to the EU and the UK provides “a real competitive opportunity”.

He welcomed changes to inheritance tax and said he was continuing to push UK Government for a “full rethink”.

Mr Muir concluded: “Northern Ireland’s farmers have built a sector that is second to none and I am immensely proud of it as minister.

“I really value a respectful relationship with all stakeholders.

“Working together, we can achieve a thriving, resilient and environmentally sustainable future for farming.”