Other News In Brief

UFU Accuses Processors Of Failing Dairy Farmers

The Ulster Farmers' Union has accused dairy processors of failing the farming community of Northern Ireland.

Using the Winter Fair as an opportunity to reflect on the past year, UFU dairy chairman Mervyn Gordon said processors have made it a frustrating 12 months.

According to Mr Gordon, the issue is compounded by the lack of market justification for the financial pressure farmers face from poor milk prices.

"Dairy processors have refused to engage on prices, citing the threat of a no-deal Brexit as their priority," Mr Gordon commented.

"Dairy farmers, however, feel short-changed. Last month two processors cut the base milk price by 0.25ppl. This was unjustified. Pressed to explain it, one said they needed to make 'savings'. The savings achieved were £150,000 on sales of £15 million – a gain of one per cent, but only achieved at an enormous cost in terms of supplier goodwill."

The UFU dairy chairman also warned that farmers were sufficiently wise and cynical to see that price cuts had been timed to kick in when winter bonus payments were due to begin. He said farmers are already suspicious about how these are calculated, and now can see these are being subsidised from price cuts.

"The time has come for dairy processors to explain what is going on to their producers. Northern Ireland has the second lowest milk price in the EU and our experience over the past 12 months has confirmed that the dairy supply chain is not working. Farmers are taking all the risk while suffering the fallout from unfair trading arrangements," said Mr Gordon, adding that all producers needed to make this clear to their individual milk buyers when they meet them at the Winter Fair.

Chinese Delegation In L'Derry To Grow Educational Links

A special delegation from China has visited L'Derry to further links in education between the north West and Dalian regions.

A group of lecturers from Dalian Vocational and Technological College led by Mr Jia Tiegang were welcomed by the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Michaela Boyle.

The institution has strong links with the North West Regional College which signed an MOU with the college on a previous delegation visit to China.

During the meeting the Mayor stressed the essential role education and training plays in the NW region's strategic growth plans, and the importance of building relations with leading international business and education institutions.

Speaking after the visit, Mayor Boyle said: "I am delighted to see the ongoing work between our local educational facilities as they share best practice and learning with our international counterparts. Education and skills are the linchpin of our economy and this positive exchange will help strengthen further our links in business and education."

North West Regional College and Dalian Vocational and Training College plan to facilitate staff and student exchanges, as well as develop and share best practice in curriculum especially around Work Based Learning, Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement. The delegation also had the opportunity to see for themselves best practice in pedagogy and excellence in teaching and learning at NWRC during their time in the city.

Fermanagh Road To Close For Improvements

A road in Fermanagh is set to close for resurfacing work next week.

The Department for Infrastructure is leading a £90,000 scheme to improve a 650m section of the A3 Cavan Road. The project will extend from 67 metres south of its junction with the Drumcrin Road to the border with the Republic of Ireland.

Work will begin on Monday 16 December and run until Friday 20 December.

The Cavan Road will be closed to through traffic between the hours of 8am and 5pm throughout the work. Traffic will be diverted via Wattlebridge Road - Bridge Street - A34 Main Street - A34 Clones Road - R183 - N54 and vice versa from Clones.

Road users should expect some delays and are advised to leave additional time when travelling in the area.



(JG/MH)