Farmers issues top agenda at Agricultural Conference

The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) has said that issues facing Northern Ireland's farmers were top of the agenda on the second day of the Commonwealth Agricultural Conference in Belfast.

Farmers are planning to discuss problems that faced the industry in the past year, including last year's outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. Farmers have already reported that the recent wet weather has severely impeded production this summer.

Three noted Northern Ireland speakers were set to discuss a range of topics on agriculture today – including exports of beef and other commodities from Northern Ireland.

The Duke of Edinburgh attended the first day of the conference on Monday. Prince Phillip, who is President of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth, addressed 150 delegates before meeting representatives from various Commonwealth countries.

(MB)