Farmers Loan Scheme discussions with HSBC

Ulster Unionist Assembly spokesman on Agriculture, George Savage has held lengthy meetings with senior representatives from international bank, HSBC on the proposed farmers' Early Retirement and Loan Scheme.

Mr Savage held talks with the bank's senior UK executives at Stormont last week, which was the first of many planned for the coming weeks and months.

Commenting after the meeting, Mr Savage, who is an MLA for Upper Bann, said: "The structuring of financial mechanisms to enable the rebuilding of agriculture after a decade of crises were explored fully as were various financial instruments associated with the operation of the Danish model of the farmers early retirement and loan scheme.

"I am a strong believer in public-private partnerships in the operation of all Government policy."

Meanwhile, Mr Savage has demanded that the Department of Rural Development extend its period of consultation on the report into Education and Research and Development in Agriculture and Food Science.

As deputy chairman of the Assembly's Agricultural Committee, Mr Savage said the closing date on July 31 was much too early and did not give those in the industry time to study the proposals.

In his request, he added: "The report is an extremely comprehensive document, the contents of which merit detailed analysis. It is vital that the review panel's recommendations are thoroughly evaluated as they are of such significance to the agricultural economy in Northern Ireland.

"The Ulster Unionist Party is requesting that an extension on the consultation period be granted until September. This would enable greater time for those working within the agricultural and food communities to digest the recommendations."

A response to Mr Savage's response is expected shortly.

(MB)